Nigeria and Cabo Verde have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation on diaspora engagement following a strategic study visit by a Cabo Verdean delegation to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Receiving the delegation in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, the NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, highlighted the role of structured diaspora engagement in national development and outlined Nigeria’s framework, guided by the National Diaspora Policy.
She noted key initiatives such as National Diaspora Day, the National Diaspora Merit Awards, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Diaspora Youth Summit, which promote investment, youth participation, and national development.
Dabiri-Erewa also stressed collaboration with agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Service and NAPTIP on migration management and human trafficking, as well as the importance of state-level diaspora focal point officers and strong media engagement.
The leader of the Cabo Verde delegation, Mr. Omaru Djalo Abreu of the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), said Cabo Verde’s estimated two million citizens abroad have contributed significantly to national development, particularly during emergencies.
He highlighted similarities between both countries in diaspora data systems, cultural exchanges, and heritage tourism.
Both sides agreed to continue exchanging best practices to strengthen diaspora engagement as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development.
The study visit comprised a joint delegation from Cabo Verde, including representatives of migrant management institutions and the National Observatory on Trafficking in Persons.