We’ll sustain engagement with Nigerians in OIC, IsDB – envoy

Nigeria’s Ambassador to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Yahaya Lawan, has met with Nigerians working with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to chart a way forward for the development of Nigeria.

The envoy, during an interactive session with the Nigerians, weekend, in Jidda, also assured of his commitment to sustain engagements with them in the best ways to contribute to the country’s development.

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“I decided to meet with Nigerians working in OIC and IsDB because of the important contributions of these institutions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

“As Nigerians in the Diaspora, you have some of the best talents Nigeria offers.

“That is why President Muhammadu Buhari ensures that he meets with Nigerians whenever he travels.

“You have a major role to play in terms of capacity building, knowledge and skill transfer for the benefit of Nigeria.

“As the principal Envoy of Nigeria in the Kingdom, I will do everything to support you and make your stay comfortable,” he said.

He also lauded the immense contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora through the inflow of remittances which contribute to the development of the country.

“It is estimated that Nigerians in diaspora contribute US$21 billion annually to the Nigerian economy,” the Ambassador disclosed in the statement made available to Daily Trust.

Earlier in the statement, a former Nigeria’s Finance Minister and IsDB’s Vice President for Country Programs, Dr Mansur Muhtar, who spoke on behalf of Nigerians working in the two institutions, thanked Ambassador Lawal for organising the meeting and appreciated him for involving the Nigerian working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the development of Nigeria.

He assured the support of Nigerians working in the kingdom for the development of the country.