The Federal Government has launched the National Diaspora Policy that will effectively promote and harness the resources of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the growth and development of the country.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubairu Dada who launched the Policy in Abuja, the nation’s capital at the Third Summit of the States Diaspora Focal Point Officers and Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters, explained that the National Diaspora Policy would engage Nigerians in the Diaspora as change agents.
According to him, the Federal Executive Council, adopted, ratified and approved the National Diaspora Policy, as a Legal framework based on the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) which provides for the human rights of all Nigerians, dual citizenship and allows for Nigerians to enjoy all the benefits of citizenship.
For its part, the Nigerian Legislature had pledged its total support and commitment to rolling out pro-diaspora legislations that will engage Nigerians in the Diaspora for sustainable national development.
Representing the Legislature, the Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, Civil Societies and NGOs, Sen. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, who was represented by Senator Abba Moro said and the Chairman House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe also commended NIDCOM for the Launch of the National Diaspora Policy as well as holding the Third Summit of States Diaspora Focal Point Officers and Standing Committee on Diaspora.
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured all stakeholders that the Commission would ensure that an enabling environment is provided for exchange of ideas to encourage synergies and collaboration among State Diaspora Focal Point Officers.
She said this would in turn promote policy consistency and coherence, with an overall objective of harnessing the potentials of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The NIDCOM Boss also recognised the financial and technical support of the European Union and the International Organisation for Migration in the development of the National Diaspora Policy and hosting of the third Summit of States Diaspora Focal Point Officers and Standing Committee on Diaspora
Dabiri-Erewa who was represented by the Secretary to the Commission Engr. Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi said that
“It is important to inform you of the progress made following the second summit. Three additional States have appointed their SDFPOs rounding up the total number of Officers to 31,“ she stated.
She added that two new officers would join the summit, summing up the States Diaspora Focal Point Officers to 33.
The theme for the Summit is: “Strengthening Diaspora Engagement Through States Diaspora Focal Point Officers.
PIAK
