The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa says effective and efficient Data Mapping is critical to NIDCOM’s Engagements with its Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this in Abuja as the Commission kicks-off 2025 Comprehensive Data Mapping for Nigerians in Euroasia.
The Diaspora Data-Mapping Portal is a product of NiDCOM.
Launched in 2021, the portal is designed to gather demographic information on Nigerians abroad to accurately profile and provide unique diaspora packages, such as Diaspora Mortgage Schemes, Diaspora Housing, and much more.
The NIDCOM Boss called on Nigerians across the Euroasia region to register on the Commission’s Data Mapping Portal, which serves as a significant step towards making diaspora voting a reality.
Speaking further, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that enabling Nigerians in the diaspora to vote has been a long-standing priority for NiDCOM.
She said; “Every Nigerian of voting age, irrespective of location, deserves a voice in Nigeria’s democratic process, especially Nigerian diasporas, powerful agents of National Development.”
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that one of the major setbacks to diaspora voting is the lack of credible data on Nigerians living abroad, hence the emphasis on registration on the portal.
With Euroasia as the Commission’s focus on data mapping, for the first quarter of 2025, the NIDCOM boss described the initiative as ‘a major step towards stronger engagement with Nigerians in that region.’
Dabiri-Erewa commended the Council of Nigerian Association Presidents in Australia (CONAPA) for their collaboration and forward-thinking efforts to foster partnerships that benefit both Nigeria and host countries.
She also expressed enthusiasm about participating in upcoming diaspora events in Euroasia, encouraging Nigerians there to spotlight their projects and achievements.
“Your impact deserves recognition,” she said, urging them to aim for nominations in the National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA).
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to working closely with Nigerians in the diaspora, especially in Euroasia, and applauded the Commission’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Department for driving innovative solutions in diaspora engagement.
The Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, Amb. Jane Bassey Adams described the initiative as both timely and essential.
Ambassador Adams affirmed that “the Mission is working closely with relevant agencies, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, to ensure Nigerians in the diaspora are treated with dignity and respect.”
She also commended Dabiri-Erewa for her visionary leadership and pragmatic approach to diaspora engagement, pledging her full support for NiDCOM’s efforts.
Head of NiDCOM’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Department, Abdulrahman Terab demonstrated the portal’s seamless and user-friendly design.
Terab explained that the data gathered will generate vital statistics, providing tailored solutions that address the unique needs of Nigerians abroad.
He further assured participants that the portal is fully compliant with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and employs advanced encryption systems to ensure confidentiality and protection against data breaches.
The Managing Director/CEO, Ansel Nig. Ltd., the Commission’s technology partner for the portal, Mr. Jerry Ikediashi highlighted the critical role of Nigerians in the diaspora in driving national development.
Mr Ikediashi expressed pride in supporting this initiative through a secure, interactive platform designed to foster collaboration.
The Ansel Group CEO outlined key features of the system, including real-time data collection, seamless communication, and accessibility across time zones, ensuring that the voices of Nigerians from Australia, New Zealand and beyond, are heard and integrated into this vital conversation.
He expressed hope that the data gathered would form the foundation for impactful policies, creating a living database that evolves with the dynamic Nigerian diaspora.
Furthermore, he acknowledged the leadership of the NiDCOM Chairman and the High Commissioner for their dedication to fostering meaningful diaspora engagement.
Other participants, including President of CONAPA, Dr Remi Yusuf, President of the Council for Victoria; Mr Benjamin Edokpolo, former CONAPA leader, Dr Pedus Eweama, and President of National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Australia, Mr Chris Fayomi, commended NiDCOM’s efforts.
They emphasised the need for extensive publicity to increase awareness and participation in the data mapping exercise.
In addition, they called for stakeholders to provide accurate and timely information in response to enquiries from their respective communities.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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