The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has collaborated with the International Organization for Migration to review Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy 2021 and improve how it is carried out.
Truthngreports that the meeting, which brought together members of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters and other stakeholders, focused on checking progress made so far, finding areas that need improvement, and setting clear steps for better engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said there is a need to move from talks to real results. She described Nigerians abroad as partners in national growth whose value goes beyond sending money home to include investment, skills, and influence.
She also pointed out that funding remains a major issue but assured that the commission will continue its work in coordinating diaspora matters across the country.
She added that Nigerians abroad have strong capacity in knowledge and innovation and should be properly engaged through clear plans. She also called for stronger laws to support diaspora activities, including voting rights, the creation of a Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and better funding systems. She praised states like Lagos, Abia, and Cross River for setting up diaspora structures and urged others to follow.
Dabiri-Erewa listed ongoing efforts such as the Diaspora Data Portal, the National Diaspora Day marked on July 25, and plans for a Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Canada as part of steps to deepen engagement.
The Chief of Mission for IOM in Nigeria, Sharon Dimanche, who was represented by Ukamaka Anyanechi, said Nigerians abroad remain one of the country’s strongest but not fully used assets. She noted their impact across sectors like healthcare, ICT, education, business, and the creative industry. She explained that through the EU-backed migration programme, IOM is working with NiDCOM and others to improve coordination and support the ongoing policy review, while also strengthening data systems and diaspora mapping.
A representative of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ron Hendrix, described the Nigerian diaspora as a link between the country and the rest of the world. He said their role goes beyond remittances to include skills transfer, investments, and promoting Nigeria’s image globally.
On the part of the National Assembly, the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, led by Aniekan Bassey and represented by Abubakar Adam, restated its support for diaspora engagement. The committee said Nigerians abroad remain a key national asset and called for better protection and coordination. It also raised concerns about the welfare of Nigerians in South Africa and other countries, urging that their safety and rights be given attention.
The House Committee on Diaspora, chaired by Tochukwu Okere and represented by Ademola Adewale Taofeek, said migration must be properly managed to bring development. The committee noted that remittances from Nigerians abroad are higher than foreign direct investment but said more should be done to tap into their knowledge and global connections.
Also speaking, Catherine Imaji Udida of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, called for policies that reflect the realities of all Nigerians abroad, including those in short-term or irregular situations. She stressed the need for regular meetings among stakeholders to improve coordination and outcomes.
The meeting also included presentations from state diaspora officers such as Annie N. Onu, Jermaine Sanwo-Olu, and Margaret U. Indeed, who shared updates on efforts at the state level.
Civil society groups and non-governmental organizations also took part in the discussions, contributing ideas on how to strengthen diaspora engagement and improve the implementation of the national policy.
