From The Nation

On the first half of this year,  $10.40 billion was remitted to the country by Nigerians abroad. These huge money include contributions through remittances to their families, friends, communities, medical missions and provision of scholarships, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has said.

According to a statement endorsed by her Special Adviser,  Paul Nwabuikwu, this emerged during  meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora by a high level Executive-Legislative team.

“Nigerians in the Diaspora have been seeking ways and means to contribute more to the country’s development. This interest is backed by substantial capacity: the value of remittances from Nigerians abroad in 2013 was $20.77 billion; for the first half of 2014, it is $10.40 billion. This includes contributions through remittances to their families, friends and communities, medical missions and provision of scholarships,” the statement explained.

As a result of these huge remittances he said team is currently holding a series of interactive sessions with Nigerians in Europe and the United States (U.S.). The sessions were organised by the Debt Management Office (DMO), led by its Director-General, Dr. Abraham Nwankwo.

The delegation he said is headed by the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and includes key members of relevant committees in the National Assembly.

Read more at The Nation