INTEGRATING IGBO DIASPORA COMMUNITIES INTO THE SOUTH-EAST ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

The South East zone of Nigeria have a significant Diaspora population that are visible in the various sectors of the global economy, but their knowledge and expertise remains underutilized in the economic development of the zone. This paper ex-rays the importance, challenges and strategies of integrating the Igbo Diaspora communities into South East economic development. The paper also posits that the integration of the Igbo Diaspora communities into South East economic development will promote the economic well-being of the zone. However, the integration of the Igbo Diaspora communities into South East development is plagued by challenges of elite consensus/political will, insecurity, and limited access to information among others. To curb these challenges, the paper recommends the establishment of South East Diaspora Commission, unification of development objectives and strengthening of communities and networking platforms. The paper concludes by calling on South East governors to take measures that will make the Igbo Diaspora communities a part of the development process in the zone.