His message was clear, urgent, and deeply personal: Nigeria’s transformation will be built on technology, food security, and the collective strength of its people, both at home and abroad.

On Tuesday, during an interactive session with Nigerians living in Brazil, the President pledged to fast-track the nation’s development by drawing lessons from Brazil’s own journey. He reminded his audience that both nations once shared similar economic starting points.

“Once upon a time, Nigeria and Brazil stood on the same level,” Tinubu declared, his voice firm. “Look at Brazil today, its technology, its food systems. What do they have that we don’t? We have the brains, the energy, the youth. We have everything. Now, we must act.”

Diaspora as Nation Builders

The President praised the Nigerian diaspora community for their resilience, talent, and contributions, describing them as “the pride of our nation.”

He tasked them with playing a greater role in nation-building through investment, innovation, and cultural exchange.

“You are not bystanders. You are stakeholders,” Tinubu said, urging them to channel their knowledge and resources back home.

Chika Emmanuel, chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora in Brazil, echoed this commitment, highlighting a surge in Nigerian postgraduate scholars in Brazil.

“From just three PhD students a year ago, we now have 296, most on scholarships,” Emmanuel revealed, pledging that the diaspora will remain a bridge for agriculture, infrastructure, and direct investment in Nigeria.

Tough Reforms, Brighter Tomorrow

The President did not shy away from addressing Nigeria’s current economic pains. Comparing ongoing reforms to “bitter medicine,” he admitted the challenges but insisted they are necessary for long-term stability and prosperity.

“Yes, the reforms are tough. But once the fever is gone, you know the cure was worth it,” he told the audience.

He also pointed to recent policy wins, such as clearing a $7 billion forex backlog, ending multiple exchange rates, and introducing transparency measures that have reignited investor confidence.

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, who was part of the delegation, described these steps as “transformational,” noting that foreign investors now view Nigeria as a safer, more profitable destination.

Deepening Ties with Brazil

For Tinubu, the trip was more than outreach, it was strategy. By strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic relationship with Brazil, he hopes to unlock partnerships in manufacturing, technology, and cultural exchange.

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, framed the visit as “a historic moment” that rekindles centuries-old cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

The President also voiced support for a cultural voyage spearheaded by Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, noting that if Soyinka, at 90, can still dream boldly, then Nigerians everywhere must rise to the task of nation-building.

A Call to Unity

As the evening drew to a close, Tinubu’s appeal grew more emotional. He urged Nigerians, whether in Lagos or São Paulo, to hold fast to unity, peace, and purpose.

“The dream must be realized. The time is now,” he said. “Together, we can build a Nigeria that we all will be proud to call home.”

The event, anchored by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, was attended by senior government officials, governors, ministers, and lawmakers, reinforcing its significance.

For many in attendance, it was more than a presidential address, it was a rallying cry. A reminder that Nigeria’s next chapter will not be written by government alone, but by the collective efforts of citizens across the world, driven by innovation, resilience, and an unshakable belief in a better tomorrow.

The Comptroller General announced this on Tuesday when she paid a courtesy call on Abike Dabiri-Erewa chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.

“This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes,” she stated.

Nandap reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.

She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.

She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.

Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.

The Comptroller General said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of Interior, has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.

She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.

Responding to the cheering news, the chairman/CEO of NiDCOM commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.

“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.

She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.