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Doha Today / Community

Nigerians express optimism as country marks 60th independence anniversary

Published: 08 Oct 2020 - 09:37 am | Last Updated: 28 Dec 2021 - 11:39 am
President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation -Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) Victor Ikoli.

President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation -Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) Victor Ikoli.

Ayeni Olusegun | The Peninsula

Doha: As Nigerians celebrated the country’s 60th independence anniversary, many have called on the government to do more in tapping investment from Nigerians in Diaspora and creating an enabling environment that will encourage foreign investors to have confidence the country’s economy.

The West African country, which was granted independence on October 1, 1960, from Great Britain, is one of the top producers of crude oil amongst many other resources but has been hit by corruption and insurgency.

This year’s celebration was a low-key event due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Nigeria accounts for over a third of migrant remittance flows to Sub-Saharan Africa. PwC estimated that these flows amounted to $23.63 billion (2017: $22 billion) in 2018, and represented 6.1% of Nigeria’s GDP.

Despite the challenges, Nigerians are optimistic about their future and hope they can learn from past mistakes.

“We hope the relevant authorities recognize the potential of the Diaspora. Nigeria is one of the top migrant remittances flows in Africa. They should hold more investment seminars here in Qatar, where we have many professionals. 

"Most people will be interested in the government-backed project because it ensures that their investment is secure. We are optimistic that these issues will be addressed,” said Michael, a construction engineer. 

Meanwhile, speaking to The Peninsula, the president of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation - Qatar (NIDO-Qatar), Victor Ikoli, said the country still has more to do to achieve collective growth.

With over 10,000 Nigerians in Qatar, NIDO-Qatar serves as an information bridge between ministries and Nigerian residents. 

“Congratulations to all Nigerians on our nation’s 60th anniversary and for the fact that we are still one indivisible nation. Very few will argue that the world’s largest black population, with massive wealth to spend as Africa’s largest oil producer, is far from where it should be. 

"There’s still hope for the country to achieve its goals,” Ikoli said of the independence celebration. 

On NIDO-Qatar’s activities in Doha, the president said the organisation is working on several projects that will benefit Nigerians in Doha, despite the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that NIDO- Qatar is working to help Nigerians in need and distress in Qatar, particularly in passport renewal and entrepreneurial opportunities. 

“NIDO Qatar and the Embassy of Nigeria are working together to bring together a passport intervention team from Nigerian Immigration to renew passports and issue first-timers following a coronavirus pandemic that has hindered the regular operation of the Embassy service. 

“As part of our programs for the year, we would have two webinars to engage our community members. The first webinar will be on ‘Startup and Entrepreneurship & Engaging Diasporas as Development Partners for Home and Destination Countries,’ he said. 

“Before the end of the year, in collaboration with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy, we will also launch a stadium tour for our community members to see the 2022 World Cup stadiums first hand,” the president added.