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President Muhammadu Buhari (left), with his Benin Republic counterpart, Mr. Boni Yayi (middle) and Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right) during the 55th Independence Anniversary of Benin Republic on Saturday
President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians in Benin Republic planning to return to the country to stay back for now.
He gave the advice on Saturday night during a meeting with Nigerians residing in Benin Republic.
Answering the question on what the government was doing to facilitate the return of some of them who wants to go back home, Buhari said: “I believe a lot of you are doing well and are better off here. So, the question of facilitating your coming home does not arise.’
“We don’t want you to come back home and be unemployed. Don’t come and add to our problems. If you have something doing here please continue doing it.”
He promised to facilitate the establishment of two new consulates in Benin next year if the request passes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included. Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered.
“This is because we are so many. We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we as a government will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are,” Buhari said.
Stressing that it was usual for him to meet the representatives of the Nigerian community wherever he goes and answer their questions, he said that he has always told the Nigerian communities to respect their hosts culture and laws.
He noted that there were a number of problems in South Africa which did not portray Nigerians in good light.
“Some of them are in prison for committing a number of crimes. But for you who are so close home, you should do your best in being good ambassadors of the country,” the president said.
He gave the advice on Saturday night during a meeting with Nigerians residing in Benin Republic.
Answering the question on what the government was doing to facilitate the return of some of them who wants to go back home, Buhari said: “I believe a lot of you are doing well and are better off here. So, the question of facilitating your coming home does not arise.’
“We don’t want you to come back home and be unemployed. Don’t come and add to our problems. If you have something doing here please continue doing it.”
He promised to facilitate the establishment of two new consulates in Benin next year if the request passes through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included. Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in diaspora must be considered.
“This is because we are so many. We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we as a government will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are,” Buhari said.
Stressing that it was usual for him to meet the representatives of the Nigerian community wherever he goes and answer their questions, he said that he has always told the Nigerian communities to respect their hosts culture and laws.
He noted that there were a number of problems in South Africa which did not portray Nigerians in good light.
“Some of them are in prison for committing a number of crimes. But for you who are so close home, you should do your best in being good ambassadors of the country,” the president said.
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