We’ll sustain engagement with Nigerians in OIC, IsDB – envoy

The Nigeria’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahaya Lawan, has assured of his commitment to sustain engagements with them in the best ways to contribute to the country’s development.

He gave the assurance during a meeting with Nigerians working with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to chart a way forward for the development of Nigeria.

“I decided to meet with Nigerians working in OIC and IsDB because of the important contributions of these institutions to the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. As Nigerians in the Diaspora you have some of the best talents Nigeria offers.

“That is why President Muhammadu Buhari ensures that he meets with Nigerians whenever he travels. You have a major role to play in terms of capacity building, knowledge and skill transfer for the benefit of Nigeria,” the envoy said.

While lauding the contributions of Nigerians in diaspora through the inflow of remittances which contribute to the development of the country, he said: “It is estimated that Nigerians in diaspora contribute US$21 billion annually to the Nigerian economy.”

Earlier, a former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and IsDB’s Vice President for Country Programs, Dr. Mansur Muhtar, who spoke on behalf of Nigerians working in the two institutions, thanked Ambassador Lawal for organizing the meeting and appreciated him for involving Nigerians working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development of Nigeria.