Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK) have asked the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele to face the “bigger picture” and help make Nigeria’s economy better.
The diasporans were reacting to the CBN governor’s remarks at a senior executive course 39 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru near Jos, where he suggested that Nigerians living abroad are not doing enough to revamp Nigerian economy.
The response came at a policy forum titled “Policy Roundtable on Business and Sustainable Development”, at the British Houses of Parliament, London, some Nigerians admonished the CBN governor.
“Mr. Emefiele has completely missed the point in that front. As at 2015 the diaspora remittances to Nigeria was $21 billion and the man was in charge of the CBN then and he is still the one superintending the apex bank. So instead of looking across the ponds for what is not, he should face the bigger picture. He should face the efforts at rebuilding investor’s confidence, getting the monetary policy really well and making good use of the remarkable diaspora remittances into Nigeria amonsgt other necessities,” said Lekan Fatodu.
According to Priscilla Nwikpo, “We thought the era of blame game was over. Nonetheless after several months of economic shocks, this moment should be a great opportunity for the managers of the Nigerian economy including Mr. Emefiele to get the solution right as there won’t be any excuse for another failure. Nigerians home and away are yearning for inclusive growth”.
Kayode Salau said, “the Nigerians in diaspora who are toiling daily and are constantly sending money to Nigeria for different purposes and projects deserve commendation. We are actually the major facilitators of foreign investments, investors and key international partnerships. So Mr. Emefiele and his colleagues need to redouble efforts in buidling a stronger economy and creating an environment that is attractive and secure for investments.”
Meanwhile the British Prime Minister’s Envoy on Trade to Nigeria, John Howell MP and the Private Parliamentary Secretary to the Secretary on International Trade, Iain Stewart MP, who hosted the policy forum have reiterated the UK’s commitment on trade relation and development of Nigeria. ”Nigeria remains our good trade partner. And the UK government through this office and other relevant government agency like the DFID is committed to offering interventions and support that will enable Nigeria attain its true potential” said John Howell.
According to Iain Stewart, ” We understand the challenges of insecurity and infrastructure amongst others in Nigeria. That’s why the UK has renewed its dedication to assist in tackling these issues. The UK’s foreign minister was in the country recently to see where more efforts need to be made. Our experts in security management have been active in giving training and relevant assistance. And we will continue to give encouragement to our businesses to look for opportunities that will help the two countries and deepen the capacities of Nigerians.”
