Professor Ijoma Nwosu, President of the Global United Christian Congress of Africa and Diaspora (GUCCAD), has urged the Nigerian federal government to take decisive action against the country’s persistent issues of insecurity and corruption.
He highlighted that resolving these challenges would motivate Nigerians living abroad to return and confidently invest in their homeland, assured that their assets would be safeguarded.
Speaking during a media interaction in Calabar, where representatives from 18 countries gathered for a preliminary event leading up to Carnival Calabar 2025, Nwosu stressed the critical importance of implementing policies that protect diaspora investments.
He further encouraged Nigerians to actively reject corrupt practices and foster a culture of integrity both in governance and everyday life, emphasizing that such values are essential to creating a conducive environment for investment.
Following a strategic discussion with journalists and the Director General of the Cross River State Diaspora Commission, Nwosu called on the government to eliminate obstacles that deter investors and tourists from engaging with Nigeria’s business landscape.
“As we welcome our diaspora community to come back and invest, it is imperative to ask: do we have robust policies in place to shield these investments?” he questioned, underscoring the need for clear legal frameworks.
This appeal aligns with broader efforts to boost diaspora-driven economic growth, complementing initiatives such as the African Diaspora Global Marketplace and the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, which seek to channel diaspora capital towards job creation, socio-economic development, and the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
To realize these ambitions, Nwosu advocates for the establishment of comprehensive investment protection mechanisms, the promotion of transparent governance, and the removal of bureaucratic hurdles that currently impede tourism and investment activities.
In support of these goals, the Central Bank of Nigeria has introduced financial instruments like the Non-Resident Nigerian Ordinary Account, designed to facilitate diaspora investment flows.
Professor Nwosu reiterated the urgent need for the government to tackle insecurity and corruption head-on, creating a secure environment that fosters investor confidence.
He also recommended simplifying regulatory processes, reducing taxation burdens, and instituting policies that enhance accountability and transparency in both public administration and business operations, thereby encouraging a more vibrant and trustworthy investment climate.
