Ojochenemi Onje
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union, has intensified efforts to reposition Nigeria’s diaspora engagement with a strong focus on measurable outcomes.
This was as key stakeholders gathered in Abuja to review and strengthen the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy 2021.
The meeting, held under the framework of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters, brought together senior government officials, lawmakers, development partners, and civil society organisations to evaluate progress made since the policy’s adoption, identify implementation gaps, and develop a more coordinated, results-driven roadmap for diaspora engagement.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman/chief executive officer of NiDCOM, said the review marks a critical shift from policy rhetoric to measurable outcomes, stressing that Nigerians living abroad remain one of the country’s most strategic development assets.
According to her, “the diaspora is not just a community abroad but a force for progress and national development,” adding that governments must adopt deliberate and structured mechanisms to harness their expertise, investments, and global networks.
Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged persistent funding constraints but noted that NiDCOM has steadily positioned itself as the central coordinating institution for diaspora affairs.
She called for stronger legislative backing to enhance the commission’s mandate, including the introduction of diaspora voting, the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and more sustainable financing frameworks.
She also highlighted ongoing initiatives aimed at deepening diaspora engagement, including the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, the annual National Diaspora Day celebrations, and preparations for the forthcoming Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference scheduled to be held in Canada.
Speaking on behalf of Sharon Dimanche, IOM Chief of Mission in Nigeria, Ukamaka Anyanechi underscored the importance of a well-coordinated diaspora policy architecture.
“Nigerians in the diaspora continue to make significant contributions across key sectors such as healthcare, information technology, academia, and entrepreneurship,” she noted.
Anyanechi explained that the EU-funded Support to Migration Governance Programme is playing a pivotal role in strengthening institutional capacity, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and supporting Nigeria’s ongoing diaspora policy review process.
Also speaking, Ron Hendrix, EU programme officer, described Nigeria’s diaspora population as a critical driver of global connectivity and national development.
He noted that beyond remittances, diaspora contributions span skills transfer, foreign direct investment, innovation, and international advocacy for Nigeria.
From the legislative arm, Aniekan Bassey, chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, represented by Abubakar Adam (Clerk), reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening policies that protect Nigerians abroad while maximising their contributions to national development.
Similarly, Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, represented by Ademola Taofeek, emphasised that effective migration governance remains central to Nigeria’s development agenda.
He warned that poorly managed migration systems could expose citizens to vulnerabilities, including exploitation and irregular migration risks.
On her part, Catherine Udida, Director of Migrants Affairs at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, called for more inclusive and adaptive policies that reflect the diverse realities of Nigerians abroad, including those in irregular or temporary migration situations.
State-level diaspora focal point officers from Abia, Lagos, and Cross River also presented subnational perspectives, highlighting ongoing efforts by state governments to engage their citizens overseas through investment drives, data mapping, and diaspora liaison structures.
Civil society organisations and non-governmental actors at the meeting stressed the importance of sustained multi-stakeholder collaboration, transparency, and accountability in diaspora governance.
