The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering dedication and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians residing in Ghana.
She stated this at a town hall meeting with Nigerians in Ghana on the sidelines of the African Diaspora Forum (DAF) Award 2024 in Accra, Ghana.
Dabiri-Erewa clarified that the recent relocation of the Commission to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will enhance operational efficiency, ensuring seamless coordination and effectiveness in fulfilling its mandate.
She elaborated that the Commission had been a part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighting the potential benefits of formal integration into the Ministry as an agency. This move, she suggested, could fortify the Commission, fostering enhanced engagement and effectiveness in its operations.
Other questions asked by participants included the very high residence permit fees charged in Ghana, the influx of trafficked under-aged girls and boys, the status of Nigerian traders in Ghana, the need to have a comprehensive list of accredited universities to prevent Nigerian students from being victims of unapproved universities, and many others.
They also commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his innovations in the passport application processes.
Dabiri-Erewa also provided insights into NiDCOM’s programmes such as the forthcoming launch of the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme scheduled for April.
She emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Federal Mortgage Bank, will offer a N50 million mortgage to support home ownership in Nigeria for citizens residing abroad.
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“This initiative aims to empower Nigerians abroad to own homes in Nigeria, excluding Lagos and Abuja, at favourable rates,” she explained.
Additionally, she highlighted other NiDCOM initiatives such as the Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, National Diaspora Day, and National Diaspora Merit Award, as a platform to address the challenges encountered by Nigerians residing in Ghana.
In his remarks, the Head of Mission in Ghana, Ambassador Usman Aliyu Bakori expressed appreciation to the Chairman for prioritising Diaspora issues and for promptly addressing their concerns whenever called upon.
He also welcomed the housing scheme proposal, stating, “We value your insights. Nigerian citizens in Ghana abide by the law. While we face occasional challenges, we strive to manage them. We appeal to the Federal Government for financial support, especially considering the fluctuating exchange rates affecting our operations in Ghana.”
He emphasised the importance of devising strategies to facilitate traders’ ownership of shops and properties without encountering harassment.
The meeting witnessed presentations from various groups in Ghana, including the Igbo, Yoruba and Arewa groups, Students Union, Trader Union, professionals, and other associations.
