The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for greater unity, coordinated action and stronger international cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities to address shared challenges and contribute to development.
NiDCOM Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, disclosed this in a statement at the First Muslim Diaspora Forum held in Ankara, Türkiye.
Balogun said Dabiri-Erewa made the call while representing Nigeria at the forum themed, “From Roots to Routes,” attended by ministers, policymakers, heads of delegations and representatives from more than 47 countries.
The forum was declared open by Türkiye’s Vice President, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.
According to Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa, in her presentation titled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” stressed that diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances.
“Effective diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger links with countries of origin,” she said.
She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives and joint action against discrimination and hate speech as areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted NiDCOM’s efforts to provide accurate information to Nigerians abroad, counter misinformation, promote positive narratives and support Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.
“Diaspora contributions extend beyond remittances to medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other developmental initiatives,” she said.
She stressed that migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin, urging that “we must create opportunities for the diaspora to remain connected and continue to contribute to national development.”
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the shared needs of diaspora communities, including dignity, safety, opportunity and freedom to practise their faith, require common solutions and stronger partnerships.
She said Nigeria would strengthen international cooperation on diaspora affairs and deepen relations with participating countries while harnessing the skills, knowledge, investment, culture and diplomatic influence of its diaspora.
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On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa held meetings with the Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Fuad Muradov, head of Sudan’s diaspora organisation, Sayed Ahmed, and Director-General of SESRIC, Zahra Zumrut.
The meetings focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening relationships and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.
She also met with the Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, YTB, Ahmet Alemdar, where discussions focused on implementing the Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB.
Both sides emphasised the need to translate the agreement into concrete and impactful programmes, particularly in diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development and bilateral cooperation.
Balogun said the forum’s communique stressed the need to sustain the theme and gains of the summit.
The communique was presented by Ali Fahad, a Turkish-Nigerian and Programme Liaison.
