Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has described NiDCOM as a critical pillar in the implementation of the government’s “4Ds” agenda (Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora).
Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar commemded the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission for its exceptional work in promoting diaspora engagement, also, lauding its Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa for connecting Nigerians outside the country with innovative programmes that broadens on opportunities at home, and positively projecting the country’s image globally
In a statement issued on Tuesday by NiDCOM, through its Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, headed by Gabriel Odu, Amb. Tuggar gave the commendation during a working visit to NiDCOM in Abuja.
He said the 4Ds framework is a strategic blueprint to address Africa’s pressing challenges: from strengthening democratic institutions, driving industrial growth for economic and food security, to harnessing demographic potential through targeted partnerships, recognising the indispensable role of NiDCOM.
The Minister emphasised that the Nigerian diaspora is central to this vision, not just as remitters, but as investors, innovators and global ambassadors for Nigeria.
He highlighted the need for constructive dialogue with all Nigerians in the diaspora, to correct misconceptions and showcase progress, as well as, encourage younger Nigerian diasporas to invest homewards; citing India’s “Neo India” initiative as a model for proactive diaspora outreach.
Mr. Tuggar further praised NiDCOM for its operational skills, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response, thanks to the cordial collaboration with NiDCOM.
Dabiri-Erewa outlined NiDCOM’s achievements, including the National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the establishment of the National Diaspora Policy (set for review next year), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, Diaspora Housing Mortgage, the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing platform, the creation of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across all 36 states in Nigeria, Presidential Townhall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series, among others as mechanisms to have an effective diaspora engagement.
She also cited diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy and investments, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, a standard work accommodation and increased funding to sustain its objectives.
The NiDCOM Boss thanked the Minister, for swift interventions during the Ghana and the Central African Republic evacuations, which have helped protect Nigerians in the diaspora and boost the country’s image.
Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM agreed to place diaspora engagement at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.