From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) marked its fifth anniversary on Friday, reflecting on its significant achievements in addressing the needs of Nigerians living abroad.
Over the past five years, NiDCOM said it has successfully handled more than 1,000 petitions related to emergencies, trafficking, and consular issues, while also fostering an increase in diaspora investments in Nigeria.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude for the progress made since the Commission’s establishment by President Muhammadu Buhari in May 2019. “Our journey has been marked by challenges, but the unwavering commitment of our team has been pivotal in transforming these challenges into opportunities,” she stated during the anniversary celebration in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the importance of diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s economy, noting that over $90 billion has been remitted by Nigerians abroad in the last five years.
“Engaging our diaspora is crucial for national development. We are committed to transforming ‘brain drain’ into ‘brain gain’ by encouraging investments in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and technology,” she added.
Secretary to the Commission, Sule Bassi emphasised the staff’s vital role in fostering diaspora engagement and promoting Nigeria’s positive image internationally.
“Despite facing hurdles, we have built a robust framework for effective service delivery to our citizens abroad,” he remarked.
Former staff member Habibat Pat-Eluameh, expressed pride in witnessing NiDCOM’s growth and its impact on Nigerians overseas. “It is heartening to see how far we have come, and I am optimistic about the future of this dedicated Commission,” she said.
Head of Administration at NiDCOM, Halima Ajagbe, praised Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership and reaffirmed the staff’s commitment to enhancing the Commission’s operations. “We are determined to work alongside management to explore new avenues for adding value to our services,” Ajagbe stated.
The highlight of the event was an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding staff contributions to NiDCOM’s success story. As NiDCOM looks forward to the future, it aims to solidify its role as a key player in mobilizing the resources and talents of Nigerians abroad for national development.
Chairman House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Tochukwu Okere also commended NiDCOM for its achievements and pledged support for future initiatives aimed at enhancing the Commission’s operational capacity.
Okere stated, “We aim to fully engage with NiDCOM’s efforts and secure a permanent office location that will enhance its operations.”
NiDCOM said it remains focused on leveraging the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s socio-economic development.