The Country Director for Nigeria-Diaspora for Asiwaju (NDA), Alhaji Moshood Wasiu Abiola, in this interview with REPORTERS AT LARGE, speaks on how the NDA is mobilising diaspora support for President Bola Tinubu’s economic and development agenda to better the lives of the good people of Nigeria.
What is the drive of the NDA?
We are driven by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s passion for greater Nigeria. We diligently work through diaspora collaborations to ensure that we mobilise everyone to meaningfully contribute to the economic revolution his government will bring to the good people of Nigeria.
When was it created, and what has been the success story so far?
The Nigerian Diaspora for Asiwaju was founded in the UK in 2021, solely to galvanise support for the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. As God will crown our effort and that of the good governance promoters, he won the presidential seat. Therefore, we stand firmly behind him to ensure that all efforts are directed towards implementing his economic and developmental plans to steer Nigeria towards the desired destination we all aspire to.
Diaspora’s contribution to the Nigerian economy is massive; do you think the FG recognises it?
The contribution is huge, and from a 2022 output, it was reported that the total of personal diaspora remittances received amounted to US$20.13 billion the year. On the other hand, we are partially recognised but we believe FG can do more.
In what ways is the NDA rallying diaspora support to invest in Nigeria’s economy?
We are speaking with our members about considering coming home to invest in the economy. Nigeria is the place to be. Most Nigerians are doing well abroad, and if we are contributing handsomely to other people’s countries, why can’t we invest the same effort back home? So we are strategically mobilising Nigeria overseas to come home and invest.
In recent times, what has been your build-up awareness plan for better governance in Nigeria?
Our awareness plan is to organise programmes and events that highlight this government positively. This is why we are organising a 10-kilometre walk-a-thon. We will also hold press conferences, symposiums, and talk clinics on economic agendas to boost growth and development.
Does the NDA put up or plan to host a grand economic-driven event in the 100 days of the president?
It is in the pipeline.
What is the membership strength of the NDA?
We have more than 50,000 members spread across 36 states, including FCT Abuja.
What are the three policy areas you want President Tinubu to focus on to improve the lives of the citizenry?
We want Mr President to look at implementing a sustainable economy with people-driven and engaging policies, fixing security to attract foreign investment, and building agricultural innovations to boost productivity and food security.
What are your opinions on the skyrocketing dollar exchange rate for the naira?
It will stabilise. The last CBN administration badly mismanaged the forex. Once our economy improves, exchange rates will stabilise.
How do you think it can be controlled to cushion the effect it has on Nigeria’s economy?
The 45 banned items that were recently unbanned are a good step in this direction. We expect more of that from the government.
