NiDCOM plans to establish diaspora plaza for Nigerians abroad

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled plans to set up a Diaspora Plaza, a hub designed to enhance interactions between Nigerians abroad and the government while fostering investment and national engagement.

This initiative was disclosed by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM’s Chairman, during a budget defense session before the National Assembly Committees on Diaspora. She praised Nigerians abroad for their increasing investment in the country and emphasized their vital role in national development.

“The Nigerian diaspora is a powerful asset. With the right policies and support, their contributions can drive significant transformation in our country. President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to reforms aimed at improving security, upgrading infrastructure, and making critical decisions for a better Nigeria,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.

Since its inception, NiDCOM has played a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of Nigerians abroad, strengthening their engagement in national affairs, and recognizing their role in nation-building.

Diaspora’s Economic Impact

NiDCOM recently reported that over 17 million Nigerians abroad have remitted more than $90 billion into the country over the past five years. Additionally, the influx of returnees in December 2024 alone contributed over N60 billion to the local economy.

“The remittances of over $90 billion in the last five years underscore the economic influence of the diaspora. Their contributions are invaluable, making them our number-one ambassadors globally. Today, Nigerians are widely respected, and many countries are keen to associate with them,” she stated.

Debate on Diaspora Voting

Despite NiDCOM’s achievements, discussions at the National Assembly also touched on diaspora voting, with lawmakers expressing mixed views on Nigeria’s preparedness for such an initiative.

Some legislators urged President Tinubu to make diaspora engagement a priority, citing the strong interest of Nigerians abroad in participating in the electoral process.

“Many in the diaspora are eager to contribute to Nigeria’s democracy, including voting from abroad. This shows their deep connection to the country. We must encourage their involvement by facilitating investment opportunities,” one lawmaker stated.

However, concerns were raised about the feasibility of diaspora voting, particularly the need for a robust electoral framework to ensure transparency and prevent irregularities. Lawmakers cautioned against rushing into the initiative without the necessary infrastructure and reliable data.

To support NiDCOM’s efforts, the National Assembly pledged to advocate for increased funding for the commission, ensuring it can continue strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad and maximizing their contributions to national development.