International
Defeat Evil Terrorists , Secure and Develop the Country
Compatriots! Greetings from the Association of Nigerians Abroad (ANA). ANA wishes you a peaceful and prosperous new year.
The ANA was formed during Nigeria’s military regime and operates globally, serving as a crucial link for Nigerians and immigrants. It played a significant role in connecting with NADECO and advocating for democracy, contributing to the end of
military rule in 1999.
state governors. ANA has maintained its structures while supporting other Nigerian organizations abroad and participated in key events like NADECO conferences and the Commonwealth of Nations. ANA’s
notable contribution was the development of Nigeria’s Information and Communications Technology (ICT) blueprint, alongside then-President Olusegun Obasanjo and Prof. Olalere Ajayi, laying the
foundations for Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency in 2000. While many members initially focused on their careers overseas, ANA’s renewed commitment includes leveraging technical
expertise to support Nigeria’s development.
Current initiatives by ANA and its members focus on among other things, investing in key projects such as an Afro-centred community development application, building a private university community, and constructing a community bridge. Members also contribute to businesses and scholarships across Nigeria.
Nigerian professionals abroad are dedicated to upholding the country’s integrity, with total remittances reaching $20.93 billion in 2024, significantly exceeding the national budget.
Despite this, Nigeria faces severe challenges, including a 33.3% unemployment rate and over 80 million unemployed youth. Many citizens struggle to meet their basic needs, and the rising unemployment has created fertile ground for desperation and illegal activities. Although the government has made efforts
such as raising the minimum wage and providing scholarships, youth unemployment remains alarmingly high.
Additionally, Nigeria remains vulnerable to external threats, with an influx of non-state actors and terrorism exacerbated by weak border security and governance. We encourage government to show no mercy on terrorists. The ANA stresses the need for urgent action to address unemployment and political corruption, asserting that both are critical for national stability and development. Our organization calls for a robust response to terrorism and improved governance to restore citizens’ faith in democracy.
Since the return to civilian rule in 1999, various Nigerian administrations, from Olusegun Obasanjo to Bola Ahmed Tinubu have fostered a culture of excessive spending among legislators. Senators and House Representatives often receive Constituency Allowances on top of already inflated salaries, with little to no accountability for their usage of public funds. This exploitation has become pervasive, undermining
public trust and diverting resources from essential services.
Constituency Allowances
With the armed forces focused on combating terrorism, legislators have irresponsibly consumed national treasury funds, failing to meet the basic needs of their constituents. Over the past 26 years, significant issues such as abandoned schools, decaying hospitals, and neglected roads have persisted while elected officials indulge in luxuries. Citizens demand accountability from legislators concerning the appropriated funds, yet there has been a lack of transparency.
Public Security Personnel
The ANA commends the President’s withdrawal of police from guarding public officials, arguing that local communities now suffer from inadequate security. Public officers, who already have ample resources, should not undermine police presence; fighting terrorism requires a robust police force to maintain order.
Uncontrollable Religious Practices
The rise of competing religious figures has led to division and chaos within Nigeria. The ANA criticizes successive governments for allowing religious leaders to exploit the population without oversight. Recent comments by a retired police commissioner highlighted the dangers of inflammatory rhetoric from both Islamic and Christian leaders, which contribute to societal unrest and fuel terrorism. The call for religious organizations to adhere to national regulations, including registration and taxation, is increasingly supported.
Diasporas Voting Rights
The Association of Nigerians Abroad is puzzled that seventeen (17) years since the Federal High Court of Nigeria on the 18th of December 2008 granted relief, restored the rights of Nigerians in the diasporas to vote in national elections by ruling against the INEC and Attorney General of the Federation, neither the INEC nor the Attorney General of Nigeria has obeyed the ruling. In the ruling the High Court under Hon Justice A. Bello directed the INEC and Attorney general of Nigeria to make provision for Nigerians in diasporas to register and vote at the Nigerian Embassies wherever they live. Responsible rule of the law in any country expects governments, her functionaries and agencies to carry out court rulings and injunctions without being pressured to do so. In the case of Nigerians diasporas, their citizen rights continue to remain suspended despite the overwhelming contributions to the economy and development. ANA notes that the right to vote granted by the Federal High Court is not negotiable. It is consistent with African Charter on Human and People’s Rights. As Bonafide citizens of Nigeria with interests in the affairs of our own country and noting the huge financial contributions to the economy, security and projects amounting to over $374bn in cash over the 17 years, the rights of Nigerians in the Diasporas continues to be trampled upon by the Judiciary and INEC. Diaspora voting is consistent with citizen rights and global best practices. ANA appeals to Mr President, the Attorney General of Nigeria, INEC, the Senate and the House of Representatives to implement the judgement and to expedite changes to the Nigerian constitution to enable Nigerians in diasporas to exercise their voting rights.
Local Government Autonomy
The current administration has sought judicial intervention to ensure local government autonomy, which is vital for community development. Historically, governors have drained local governments’ resources, stifling their ability to serve the public effectively. True local governance needs freedom and funding to fulfill its mandates.
Security Measures and Political Accountability
To address national security challenges, we urge the government to adopt bold strategies, including
securing borders, replacing ineffective military commanders, and punishing individuals linked to arms trafficking and terrorism. We advocate for thorough measures to restore peace and stability, emphasizing the need for the country to be prudent in matters relating to public safety and security.
Corruption
ANA frowns at the manner in which the national leadership whitewashes corrupt practices by highly
placed individuals once they change parties or support the ruling party. While this practice may work for
the individuals involved, economic harm to society remains. We call for the independence of the EFCC to investigate these crimes and to prosecute all those involved to the full extent of the law. To fast track these trials, a tribunal may be set up to handle corruption cases.
Election Reforms
ANA believes that electoral fraud amounts to staging a coup d’etat, because the perpetrators are trying to achieve power through illegal means. Quite often, the perpetrators will engage in coercion. We therefore call on the National Assembly to amend the Electoral Act to specify that anyone engaging in electoral malpractice will be charged for sedition. Anything less than this encourages electoral malpractice and does not serve as a deterrence.
Nigeria’s challenges are complex, but with transparency and accountable governance, there is hope for progress and stability in the future. Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed
President: Professor Johnson I. Agbinya (Australia)
Secretary: Dr Fatai Oyejobi (USA)