President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute their expertise and resources to drive national growth.

Tinubu spoke on Thursday during an interactive meeting with members of the Nigerian community on the sidelines of the ongoing Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Japan.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, Tinubu said Nigeria is on the rise again under his leadership.

The president said leadership is about “thinking and doing”, adding that his administration’s priority is to create an environment where every Nigerian can feel the positive impact of change.

He listed improvement in passport issuance, a reversal in medical tourism through upgraded healthcare infrastructure and increased access, and economic transformation as key areas of progress.

“I am happy to listen to you. I’m happy to report that many of our people are returning home,” Tinubu said.

“Yes, for economic reasons, some people might decide to stay away; it’s a fundamental right of the individual, but for the economic growth and opportunity available in Nigeria, don’t stay away.

“Your contribution is very much needed. If you stay away, who will build it?”

He emphasised that the strength of citizenship is not just in holding a Nigerian passport but in one’s character and commitment to the nation’s progress.

“If we don’t join hands and work together, then we’ve lost the hope of being the leaders we are supposed to be,” he said.

The president cautioned against negative portrayals of Nigeria, stating that such actions do little to advance development and discourage needed investment and partnerships.