The Nigerian government says it will tap into its immense and diverse potential in the diaspora for national development.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar stated this when the Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa led the Management and Staff of the Commission on a visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
According to a press release by NIDCOM, Ambassador Tuggar disclosed that the government will go beyond Europe and America and also focus on Africa Diasporas to utilise its global exposure, skills and competencies for national development.
The Minister said President Tinubu’s four agenda of Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora, will be pursued by bringing modern solutions to address complex challenges for national development.
Commending NiDCOM for performing excellently well within the short period of four years of its establishment, Ambassador Tuggar stated that some of NiDCOM’s programmes especially the National Diaspora Day worthy of emulation while noting that the world has turned into Nigerian heritage and there is a yarning for Nigerian culture out there, hence the need to navigate Nigeria’s soft power to its advantage.
The Minister called on NIDCOM to synergize with the ministry on the Global Citizens Help Desk which will be domiciled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergencies for Nigerians in the diaspora.
Briefing the newly appointed Minister, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa stated that within four years, NIDCOM has consistently hosted the National Diaspora Day attracting over 5000 hybrid participants Annually including an inaugural Diaspora Merit Award 2023.
Highlighting some other notable Achievements of the Commission Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa said they include, Developing National Diaspora Policy, Diaspora Data Mapping, National Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, States Diaspora Focal Point Officers Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, Badagry Door of Return and The Diaspora Weekly TV Show.
The NiDCOM Boss solicited robust collaboration with strategic ministries and agencies to upscale Diaspora remittances,(currently 22 billion dollars annually) Diaspora Direct Investments, Diaspora Medical Missions and the establishment of Diaspora Continental Offices.
