By Nkechi Eze
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has applauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its outstanding contributions to strengthening diaspora engagement, describing the agency as a critical pillar in advancing the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.
Gabriel Odu from the NiDCOM media and public relations disclosed that while speaking during a strategic working visit to NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, Tuggar commended the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Commission’s Chairman/CEO, for designing and implementing innovative programmes that connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home while enhancing the country’s image globally.
The Minister explained that the 4Ds framework serves as a strategic plan to tackle Africa’s most pressing challenges from reinforcing democratic institutions and driving industrial growth for economic and food security, to leveraging demographic advantages through targeted partnerships. He stressed that the Nigerian diaspora is central to this vision, not merely as a source of remittances but as investors, innovators, and global ambassadors.
Tuggar called for constructive engagement with Nigerians overseas to dispel misconceptions, showcase national progress, and encourage younger members of the diaspora to channel their investments back home. He pointed to India’s “Neo India” initiative as a strong example of proactive diaspora outreach.
Praising NiDCOM’s operational efficiency, Tuggar noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs currently ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response, attributing this achievement to the Ministry’s strong collaboration with NiDCOM.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa outlined a range of NiDCOM initiatives that have deepened diaspora relations, including the National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the creation of the National Diaspora Policy scheduled for review next year, the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, Diaspora Housing Mortgage scheme, and the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing platform. She also highlighted the establishment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) in all 36 states, Presidential Town Hall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series.
She further cited contributions from the diaspora in areas such as medical missions, philanthropy, and investment, while appealing for more diaspora desks in government agencies, a standardised work environment, and increased funding to sustain the Commission’s objectives.
The NiDCOM boss expressed gratitude to the Minister for his swift interventions during evacuations from Ghana and the Central African Republic, actions which she said safeguarded Nigerians abroad and bolstered the nation’s international image.
At the end of the visit, both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM reaffirmed their shared commitment to making diaspora engagement a central feature of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term national development strategy.
