By: Margaret Ebeshi
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Chinedu Tochukwu Chikere, has given the assurance that the committee will work towards improved budgetary allocation for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in the next fiscal year.
Chikere gave the assurance during an oversight visit by members of the committee to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Commission’s office in Abuja. Nigeria.
During the visit, the lawmaker commended Dabiri-Erewa for what he described as impactful leadership over the past seven years despite limited resources.
He stressed the need for increased funding and the provision of a befitting Diaspora Plaza to strengthen the Commission’s operations.
According to him, effective diaspora engagement requires regular interaction with Nigerians abroad, noting that officials responsible for diaspora affairs must travel to maintain strong connections with citizens overseas.
Chikere added that the Commission has demonstrated commitment and energy in engaging Nigerians in the diaspora and therefore deserves stronger support to enable its management and staff perform optimally.
In her response, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa appreciated the committee’s support and reiterated the need for improved financial backing to enable the Commission fully deliver on its mandate.
She highlighted several ongoing and upcoming initiatives, including the review of the National Diaspora Policy in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration, the observance of National Diaspora Day on July 25, focusing on healthcare, the Diaspora Merit Awards, and improvements to the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal.
She also announced the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ Meeting scheduled for April 12 and 13, 2026, to be hosted by the Edo State Government, as well as the Global Nigerian Diaspora Investment and Innovation Summit slated for August in Toronto, Canada.
The NiDCOM boss further urged the committee to ensure that the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (Nigeria) enforces stricter regulations against fraudulent agents issuing deceptive work visa offers to Nigerians seeking employment abroad.
Members of the committee also inspected the Commission’s office facilities and surrounding infrastructure at the Federal Secretariat Complex and its annex building in Garki, Abuja
