MFA, NiDCOM strengthen partnership for better Diaspora engagement

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to enhance effective diaspora engagement and advocacy.

Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary of the MFA, made this commitment during a strategic meeting with NiDCOM’s management team, led by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. He highlighted the significance of diaspora engagement as a key pillar of the “4Ds” (Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora) outlined in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to a statement by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols team, Dr. Ahmed commended Hon. Dabiri-Erewa for her exemplary leadership, which has positioned NiDCOM as a global leader in diaspora affairs. He expressed the Ministry’s keen interest in NiDCOM’s Data Mapping Initiative, which aims to create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in the diaspora to facilitate strategic planning and engagement.

“This initiative will enable better planning and engagement with the diaspora, ensuring their contributions are maximized for national development,” Dr. Ahmed stated.

He also emphasized the importance of addressing labour migration by creating awareness around legal and structured migration pathways for Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to the MFA for its unwavering support and collaborative efforts. She outlined NiDCOM’s achievements and ongoing initiatives, including the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, the Diaspora Mortgage Trust Fund, National Diaspora Day/Merit Awards, and the engagement of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers.

The NiDCOM Chair reiterated the commission’s commitment to fostering impactful partnerships with government agencies and other stakeholders to harness the potential of the Nigerian diaspora for the country’s growth.

“Through strategic collaborations with the MFA and other partners, we will continue to showcase the remarkable contributions of our diaspora community and position them as a vital force for Nigeria’s development,” she said.

Both institutions pledged to work together in building a united, inclusive, and forward-thinking approach to diaspora engagement, aimed at driving national development.