Nigerians have a reputation for being diligent and hardworking, and this is reflected in the contributions they make to their host nations, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.
This article seeks to illuminate the numerous contributions made by Nigerians in these three nations and to draw attention to their effects on the economies and societies of those nations.
Nigerians in the United States
Nigerians are the most educated immigrant group in the United States, according to data from the Migration Policy Institute.
They are also among the highest earners, with a median household income of $62,351, compared to the national median of $57,617.
Nigerians are well represented in various sectors of the US economy, including technology, finance, and healthcare.
Nigerian-Americans have also made significant contributions to the country’s political landscape.
One notable example is Adewale Adeyemo, who was recently appointed as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury by President Joe Biden.
Adeyemo previously served in the Obama administration as Deputy National Security Advisor for International Economics and was instrumental in shaping US economic policy towards Africa.
In the entertainment industry, Nigerian-Americans have made their mark, with notable figures such as actor and comedian, Uzo Aduba, and filmmaker, Ava DuVernay.
Nigerian-Americans have also made significant contributions to the country’s culinary scene, with Nigerian cuisine gaining popularity in cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Nigerians in the United Kingdom
Nigerians are among the largest African migrant communities in the United Kingdom, with estimates suggesting that there are over 200,000 Nigerians living in the country.
Nigerians are widely represented in the UK’s banking, healthcare, and educational industries, among other areas of the economy.
Chi Onwurah, a Member of Parliament for the Newcastle Central seat, is a prominent Nigerian in the UK.
Onwurah is a Chartered Engineer and was the first black woman to graduate from the Electrical Engineering department at Imperial College London.
Onwurah has been a vocal advocate for greater diversity in the technology industry and has called for more support for underrepresented groups in STEM fields.
In the arts, Nigerian-British actor, David Oyelowo, has made a name for himself in Hollywood, with roles in films such as “Selma” and “The Queen of Katwe.”
Author Helen Oyeyemi, a Nigerian-British, is also well-known internationally for her works of fiction, such as “Boy, Snow, Bird” and “Mr. Fox.”
Nigerians in Germany
There are thought to be 100,000 Nigerians living in Germany, making it a country with a growing Nigerian population.
Nigerians are strongly represented in Germany’s technology, banking, and healthcare industries, among other economic areas.
Oluwaseun Osewa, the founder of Nairaland, the largest online community for Nigerians, is a prominent Nigerian living in Germany.
Osewa has been recognized for his contributions to the Nigerian diaspora community in Germany and was awarded the Federal Cross of Merit by the German government in 2018.
In the arts, Nigerian-German writer, Olumide Popoola, has gained critical acclaim for her novels and short stories.
Popoola’s work explores themes of identity, belonging, and migration, and she has been recognized for her contributions to the literary scene in Germany.
Conclusion
Nigerians in the diaspora have made significant contributions to their host countries, particularly in the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany.
From technology and finance to politics and the arts, Nigerians have excelled in various sectors of the economy.
Their impact can be seen in the diverse communities they have built and the strides they have made towards greater representation and inclusion.
As the world becomes more interconnected, it is important to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the Nigerian diaspora and other immigrant communities.
