By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at leveraging the expertise of Nigerians in the diaspora to drive innovation, technology, and economic development at home.
The move was formalised during a high-level meeting between the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, where both agencies agreed to set up a joint working committee to identify priority areas of collaboration and develop projects in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and wider diaspora engagement.
Speaking at the meeting, Dabiri-Erewa described the collaboration as a timely intervention that aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She explained that the partnership would help connect Nigeria’s local innovators with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the diaspora, enabling them to exchange ideas and experiences that could translate into tangible progress for the country.
“This is a timely intervention that will open up opportunities for Nigerians everywhere to contribute meaningfully to national development. By sharing ideas, skills, and experiences, our innovators at home and abroad can jointly build a stronger and more innovative Nigeria,” she said.
While commending the agency’s ongoing projects, the NiDCOM boss assured NASENI of the commission’s support and urged the agency to participate actively in the forthcoming 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) scheduled to take place in Abuja from November 11 to 13, 2025.
On his part, Halilu highlighted several NASENI initiatives designed to promote innovation and attract diaspora participation. These include Revolut, a digital payment platform already serving thousands of Nigerians with low-cost, real-time transfers; the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which provides funding support for Nigerian scientists and innovators both at home and abroad; and Delta-2, a joint project with the Czech Republic that is entering its third phase in September to strengthen international technology collaboration.
He disclosed that his visit to NiDCOM was primarily to present two new projects. The first is a government-backed, multi-currency payment platform designed to be seamless, flexible, and affordable, with real-time monitoring for users. The second seeks to directly engage Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to develop practical projects that would boost the nation’s economy.
Commending Dabiri-Erewa for NiDCOM’s sustained efforts at mobilising diaspora expertise and resources, Halilu noted that NiDCOM’s database of professionals would be instrumental in advancing NASENI’s mission.
At the end of the meeting, both agencies agreed to establish a joint committee to streamline collaboration and create targeted programmes that will deepen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem while strengthening links with the diaspora community.
