The Republic of Bangladesh has expressed its desire to share experiences on Diaspora matters with the Nigerian Government.
Bangladesh’s High Commissioner, Musudur Rahman disclosed this in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital when he paid a working visit to the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa on Wednesday.
According to him, the collaboration aims at boosting the performances of Diasporas owing to the fact that Bangladesh has a full Ministry of Expatriate Welfare for its Diasporans.
The High Commissioner described the setting up of NIDCOM as a step in the right direction, describing Nigerians in the diaspora as responsible, resilient and resourceful especially in the area of nation-building in their host countries.
Rahman stated that there is a need for both Nigeria and Bangladesh to deepen their bilateral relations due to the outstanding performance of Nigerian Diasporans all over the world in terms of technology, innovation, trade and commerce.
He added that the synergy would not only enhance the performance of the diaspora but would also benefit both countries in many areas of national development beyond Diaspora remittance.
“There is need for NIDCOM and the Bangladesh Ministry to work together to share best regulations and policies in order to enhance Diasporans performance by making available platforms and training programmes to prepare them in terms of language, basic local food services, dressing, culture and many more.”
Rahman added that even though the number of Nigerians living in Bangladesh was not much, but the quality is what they appreciate.
“Bangladesh was able to raise over $23 billion annual remittances from its estimated five million Diasporans all over the world, stressing the role of its ministry for expatriate affairs in that regard”. Rahman emphasised.
Rahman restated that Nigeria with its population size and influence can do even much better as they are one of the best all over the world.
Responding, the NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that the impact of Diasporans could not be over-emphasised, hence the need for both countries to explore opportunities to create platforms and policies for Diasporans engagement especially in the areas of job creation and development of their economies
She said that Nigeria and Bangladesh have many things in common in terms of cultural and diaspora affinity and if properly organised would enhance their respective national development.
PIAK
