The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) on migration and diaspora-related issues.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa provided this assurance at a strategic meeting with the Acting Chief of Mission, IOM, Ms. Paola Pace, at NiDCOM’s headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to IOM for its ongoing support, particularly in developing and implementing the National Diaspora Policy.
She emphasised the significance of the policy in effectively engaging the Nigerian diaspora in national development and mentioned plans for its review to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.
She also commended IOM for its assistance to the Federal Government in evacuating stranded Nigerians abroad, particularly from Libya.
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Furthermore, she advocated for the resumption of the ‘short-term return programme,’ which over time has encouraged knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals at home and those in the diaspora, thereby fostering “brain circulation” rather than brain drain.
The NiDCOM Chairman described IOM’s Governors’ Project as a welcome initiative, aligning with NiDCOM’s ongoing collaboration with Governors through the appointment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across the 36 states and the FCT.
Dabiri-Erewa also called for capacity building for NiDCOM staff to enhance their skills and efficiency in managing diaspora affairs.
In her remarks, Ms. Pace commended the Commission for its proactive engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, noting their remarkable contributions across various fields.
She underscored the importance of continued collaboration in addressing the challenges of irregular migration among Nigerian youths.
Pace highlighted IOM’s ongoing initiatives, including collaboration with prominent Nigerian diasporas as ambassadors, reintroducing the short-term return programme, conducting sensitisation and advocacy workshops on the dangers of irregular migration, and engaging state Governors through stakeholder meetings.
The Acting Chief of Mission further disclosed that IOM has been working closely with key government organisations, including the Ministry of Labour, as well as international counterparts, to discuss policies and create seamless pathways for labour mobility.
Additionally, Pace raised the necessity for joint efforts to tackle challenges faced by migrants and the Nigerian diaspora, particularly in providing mental health rehabilitation and support services.
Both parties affirmed their commitment to a strong and productive partnership, to leverage the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for the country’s development.
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