The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have renewed their commitment to advancing safe and well-managed migration, while enhancing diaspora engagement for national development.
This renewed partnership was emphasized during a courtesy visit by Dimanche Sharon, IOM’s newly appointed Chief of Mission in Nigeria, to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Commission’s office in Abuja.
Sharon praised Nigeria’s leadership in migration governance and diaspora affairs, describing the country’s approach as a model for others in Africa.
She reaffirmed IOM’s willingness to deepen collaboration with NiDCOM in promoting orderly migration and harnessing the full potential of the Nigerian diaspora.
“Properly managed migration is a key driver of sustainable development,” Sharon said, adding that the contributions of Nigerians abroad—especially through remittances—remain critical to the nation’s economy. She highlighted that in 2022, Nigeria received $20.1 billion in remittances, making up 38% of all such inflows to Sub-Saharan Africa.
The IOM official also emphasized ongoing efforts to improve joint initiatives, including the safe return and reintegration of stranded Nigerians during emergencies, and called for greater synergy in supporting the government’s migration-related goals.
In response, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation for IOM’s support and reiterated NiDCOM’s dedication to strengthening its partnership with the organization. She outlined several priority areas for collaboration, including:
• Reviewing and implementing Nigeria’s Diaspora Policy
• Training and capacity building for NiDCOM staff
• Study tours to enhance institutional experience
• Joint public awareness campaigns against irregular migration
• Strengthening the work of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters
The NiDCOM chief noted that migration should be viewed as a development tool and expressed confidence that continued collaboration with IOM would deliver meaningful benefits for Nigerians both within and outside the country.
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