The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), has described migration as a natural phenomenon that cannot be stopped .
The NIDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, however, said hat managed migration must be encouraged for positive impact on the migrant , the country of origin and the host country.
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa, said this in Abuja, while delivering a Lecture on: “Migration, Diaspora and Africa’s Development at the National Defence College for Participants of Course 29.
“The Diaspora Phenomena is the product of legitimate migration, hence the need for regular(legal) migration as opposed to irregular(illegal) migration,” she stated.
According to her, “Nigeria is now experiencing the feminisation of migration, a situation where more women are getting involved than men in labour migration.”
Mrs Dabiri-Erewa explained that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission was in high level talks with countries especially in Europe to mainstream migration issues for a win-win situation for both destination and departure countries.
“Key drivers of migration include: security, economic, environmental, socio- political and other pull and push factors,” She said.
On Nigeria Diaspora Population, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that an estimated 17 million Nigerians were scattered all over the world accomplishing excellent feats in medicine, Health, high tech, education, economy and many others both to their host countries and country of origin.
” In 2019 alone, Nigerians in Diaspora remitted about $25 billion to shore up the economy.
“The Commission is ever ready to act as a bridge between Nigeria and its Diasporas to harness the abundant human capital, skills and talents to build a formidable nation,” She stressed.
The NIDCOM, boss gave assurances that the Commission has its contact Desks in international and government agencies to liaise and speed up intervention processes.
The Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral Makanju Mackson Kadiri, Gss, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the wisdom in establishing the Nigerians in Diaspora, Commission, NIDCOM, to Carter for the needs of millions of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Thee Commandant and participants also commended the NIDCOM Boss for her passion, dedication and commitment to duty and promised that the National Defence College would always be one of the frontier supporters of the Commission and its objectives.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
