Igbo Diaspora Drives Nigerian Economy with $60 Billion Remittance
A United States-based medical practitioner and Traditional Prime Minister of Abagana in Njikoka LGA, Anambra State, Dr. Nwachukwu Anakwenze, has revealed that Igbo people in the diaspora remit more than $60 billion to Nigeria every year.
Speaking in Awka, Anakwenze, who also runs a chain of hospitals in the US employing over 5,000 professionals, noted that the massive inflow of funds has had a great positive impact on the economy of the South East and Nigeria at large.
Call for Leadership that Matches Nigeria’s Potential
Dr. Anakwenze emphasized that the primary concern of Nigerians in the diaspora is the enthronement of the right leadership to position Nigeria among the world’s leading nations.
“Nigeria should be aiming to be a world power, but we can’t achieve that with the kind of people ruling her. God gave us everything, yet we can’t manage them. If we had leaders with vision and brains, Nigeria would be a global power,” he stated.
He lamented that Nigeria is still import-dependent, which continues to weaken the naira, stressing the urgent need for industrialization and domestic production.
Diaspora Commitment to Healthcare Development
Renovation of UNTH Outpost in Abagana
Dr. Anakwenze revealed that his people in the US had already raised over $100,000 last month for the renovation of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) outpost in Abagana.
“We are raising funds from individual Abagana people and groups. We are also reaching out to our people across the globe to contribute. Whatever the government can do is good, but we want to help ourselves as a community,” he explained.
The UNTH facility, a federal government institution, has been abandoned for years, but the community is determined to revive it.
Harnessing Igbo Potential for National Growth
Dr. Anakwenze stressed that the Igbo are central to Nigeria’s fast development and should be properly included in national affairs.
“Unless Nigeria realizes the value of the Igbos, they will continue to carry last. We have the brains to match the Chinese and Japanese in manufacturing. What is produced in Aba, Onitsha, and Nnewi can drive national growth—not the politics of sharing money and giving jobs to unqualified family members,” he said.
He further noted that the diaspora has educated and wealthy individuals willing to invest in community development, provided there is transparency and seriousness of purpose.
Conclusion
With over $60 billion in annual remittances, the Igbo diaspora remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. However, Dr. Anakwenze insists that without visionary leadership, Nigeria will continue to lag behind despite its vast human and natural resources.
