By Nkechi Eze
The State of the African Diaspora (SOAD) has expressed its desire to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in advancing diaspora engagement, investment promotion, and heritage reconnection across the African continent and beyond.
During a courtesy visit to NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja, the Prime Minister of the State of the African Diaspora, Dr. Louis-Georges Tin, led a delegation to explore avenues for mutual cooperation between both institutions.
According to a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head of Media and Public Relations at NiDCOM, Dr. Tin commended the Commission’s visionary leadership under Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, whom he praised for her exceptional commitment to mobilising and empowering Nigerians in the diaspora as key contributors to national development.
He noted that the visit was aimed at building bridges of cooperation and fostering unity among Africans globally through shared programmes that promote Pan-African solidarity, diaspora inclusion, and economic collaboration.
“We are impressed by the remarkable work NiDCOM is doing in giving the Nigerian diaspora a strong institutional voice. The State of the African Diaspora is eager to explore areas where we can align efforts — from investment promotion to cultural exchange and diaspora reintegration,” Dr. Tin said.
In her response, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who was represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Engr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, welcomed the delegation and described the visit as timely and significant in deepening Pan-African relations and diaspora empowerment efforts.
She reaffirmed NiDCOM’s readiness to collaborate with SOAD in several strategic areas, including diaspora data mapping, youth engagement, skills transfer, investment facilitation, and the promotion of African heritage and identity.
“The African diaspora is one of the continent’s greatest assets. Strengthening partnerships like this will help us tell our stories better, harness our potentials, and create tangible impact for our people,” she noted.
Both parties agreed to establish a joint working framework that will identify specific programmes of mutual interest and sustain continuous dialogue aimed at achieving shared objectives.
The visit concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to fostering stronger ties between Africans at home and abroad, with a shared vision of building a more connected, prosperous, and unified African community.
