The Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has emphasized the need to improve structured migration channels to enhance international labour opportunities for Nigerians.
She made this call during her keynote address and participation in a panel session at the Rabat Process Thematic Meeting, currently hosted under Nigeria’s leadership.
The event focuses on the theme: “Youth, Education, and Innovation: Driving the Future of Migration.”
According to a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocol, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa called for coordinated efforts by the government to inform and educate citizens about legitimate migration routes.
She noted that raising awareness would help reduce irregular migration and its associated risks.
The NiDCOM boss also praised the contributions of Nigerians abroad, describing them as a crucial part of the nation’s development strategy and economic growth.
“Nigerians in the diaspora sent home around $20 billion last year,” she said, adding that this represents nearly 5.7% of the nation’s GDP and is 11 times higher than the country’s foreign direct investment in the same period.
She further stressed the importance of involving young people in shaping and executing migration-related policies, arguing that their creativity and skills are vital assets.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that NiDCOM has initiated several youth-focused diaspora programmes under its “Home Strings” initiative to further engage young Nigerians abroad.
The Rabat Process—officially known as the Euro-African Dialogue on Migration and Development—is a collaborative platform that brings together European and African nations to discuss migration-related challenges and solutions.
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