President Bola Tinubu on Friday in Kigali assured Nigerians in Rwanda of his administration’s commitment to restoring Nigeria’s global standing.
Tinubu said his government would confront obstacles limiting Nigerians from achieving their aspirations, both at home and across diaspora communities worldwide.
He spoke during an interactive session with Nigerians in Rwanda, including academics, professionals, entrepreneurs and students.
This is contained in a statement by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu commended the Nigerians for obeying Rwanda’s laws and positively representing their homeland through their conduct and achievements.
“I thank you for being good ambassadors, and we are proud of what you are doing,” he said.
He said his administration’s reforms were yielding positive results, in spite of the challenges that followed the implementation of major economic measures.
He said: “Our reforms are working, and the economy is bright and stable. We owe every Nigerian an enabling environment to break barriers and lead in all spheres.”
Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to be governed with transparency, fairness and national interest above ethnic or sectional considerations.
He urged Nigerians abroad to remain united and identify first as citizens of one nation.
“The Green-White-Green flag means so much to all of us. None of us controls where we are born. Only God has that prerogative,” he said.
Reflecting on Rwandan genocide, Tinubu praised Rwanda’s recovery through reconciliation, unity, peace and national development.
He said the symbol on his trademark cap represented breaking the chains of poverty, ignorance, disease and other barriers.
Tinubu directed Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Rwanda, Ibrahim Zanna, to address concerns raised by Nigerians.
He asked him to work closely with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and his office.
Earlier, Director-General of the commission, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the delegation as accomplished professionals.
She said the group included 28 PhD holders and chief executives of multinational organisations.
Chairman of the Association of Nigerians in Rwanda, Umar Wali, said the body emerged from Nigerian Technical Aid Corps volunteers.
Wali said the association had promoted unity, lawful conduct, education, investment and cultural exchange since 2005.
He, however, raised concerns over visa processing and passport renewal difficulties facing Nigerians in Rwanda.
He said the Nigerian High Commission in Kigali currently lacked a functional passport processing office.
Other speakers pledged continued support for Nigeria’s development through partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
Former Nigerian-Canadian basketball executive, Masai Ujiri, expressed interest in developing Nigeria’s sports infrastructure.
He said private investment could transform the sector into a modern and sustainable enterprise.
