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. And in our ways, working assiduously through diaspora collaborations to see that we mobilise all and sundry to contribute meaningfully 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 galvanize support for the presidential aspiration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and as God will crown our effort and that of the good governance promoters, he won the presidential seat. So going forward, we are strongly behind him to see that all hands are on deck to actualise the economic and developmental plans he has, to take Nigeria to the desired destination we all yearn for.
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 to consider 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 will highlight this government positively. This is the reason we are organising a 10-kilometer walk-a-Thon. Besides that, we will be doing press conferences, symposiums, and talk clinics on economic agendas to boost growth and development, among many other things.
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.
In terms of policy, what will be the three things you want President Tinubu to focus on to better the lives of the citizenry?
We want Mr President to look at implementing a sustainable economy with policies that are people-driven and engaging, fix security to attract foreign investment, and build 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 the economy of Nigeria?
The 45 banned items that were recently unbanned are a good step in this direction. We expect more of that from the government