By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) under a European Union-funded programme, has convened a high-level meeting of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters (SCDM) to review and strengthen the implementation of Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy 2021.
According to an official signed statement by Violet Nwosu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, NiDCOM, the strategic engagement, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders to assess progress, identify gaps, and develop actionable pathways for a more structured, inclusive, and results-driven diaspora engagement framework.
Speaking at the meeting, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stressed the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric to measurable outcomes, describing the diaspora as a critical development partner whose contributions extend beyond remittances to investment and national growth.
“The diaspora is not just a community abroad, but a development partner, a force for progress and development,” she said, adding that deliberate and strategic efforts were required to harness its full potential.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged funding constraints as a major challenge but underscored the importance of sustained institutional support, affirming that NiDCOM has continued to demonstrate its relevance in coordinating diaspora engagement across Nigeria.
She further called for stronger legislative backing for diaspora-focused initiatives, including diaspora voting, the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and improved funding mechanisms to unlock the full potential of Nigerians abroad.
The NiDCOM boss also highlighted the importance of sub-national engagement, commending states such as Lagos, Abia, and Cross River for establishing diaspora-focused structures, while urging others to adopt similar frameworks.
She listed ongoing initiatives including the Diaspora Data Portal, National Diaspora Day Celebrations scheduled for July 25, and the upcoming Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Canada as part of efforts to deepen structured diaspora engagement.
The Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Ms. Sharon Dimanche, represented by Ms. Ukamaka Anyanechi, emphasized the importance of structured and coordinated diaspora engagement, noting that Nigerians in the diaspora remain one of the country’s most significant yet underutilised development partners.
She explained that through the EU-funded Support to Migration Governance Programme, IOM is working closely with NiDCOM and other stakeholders to strengthen institutional frameworks, improve coordination mechanisms, and support the ongoing review of the National Diaspora Policy.
Also speaking, Programme Officer of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ron Hendrix, described the Nigerian diaspora as a powerful driver of global connectivity and national development, noting that beyond remittances, their contributions span skills transfer, investments, and global advocacy.
On behalf of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, the Chairman, Senator Aniekan Bassey, represented by the Clerk, Abubakar Adam, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to diaspora engagement, describing Nigerians abroad as one of the nation’s greatest assets.
He emphasized the need to protect Nigerians abroad and strengthen institutional coordination, while calling for urgent attention to the welfare of citizens facing challenges in countries such as South Africa.
Similarly, the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, represented by Dr. Ademola Adewale Taofeek, stressed the need for measurable outcomes in migration governance, noting that while diaspora remittances exceed foreign direct investment, Nigeria must also harness intellectual capital and global networks.
In her contribution, the Director of Migrants Affairs at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Catherine Imaji Udida, highlighted the importance of inclusive policies that reflect the realities of all Nigerians abroad, including those in short-term or irregular situations.
She also called for consistent coordination among thematic groups to enhance migration governance and policy outcomes.
The meeting featured presentations from State Diaspora Focal Point Officers, including Hon. Annie N. Onu of Abia State, Dr. Jermaine Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Dr. Margaret U. Indeed of Cross River State, who outlined subnational efforts in diaspora engagement.
Representatives of civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations also made contributions, underscoring the need for a collaborative, multi-stakeholder approach to fully harness the potential of Nigeria’s diaspora for national development.
