The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the potential of Nigerians living abroad, describing them as strategic assets for national development rather than consular burdens.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, stated this on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Commission’s management team during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister said Nigerians in the diaspora continue to excel globally in various professions and sectors, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic development and international reputation. He stressed that the actions of a few individuals involved in activities that attract negative publicity should not define the image of the larger diaspora community.
Enikanolaiye commended NiDCOM for filling the institutional gap that existed before its establishment, noting that the Commission has justified the Federal Government’s decision to create it despite operating under challenging circumstances.
He also praised Dabiri-Erewa for her dedication, resilience and unwavering commitment to advancing the interests of Nigerians abroad, describing her leadership as instrumental in positioning the diaspora as a critical partner in Nigeria’s development.
The Minister reaffirmed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ commitment to deepening collaboration with NiDCOM in implementing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further proposed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen collaboration between state governments and Nigerians in the diaspora, with the aim of promoting investment and development initiatives across the country.
Earlier, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed confidence that the cordial working relationship between the Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to flourish.
She highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements since its establishment, while identifying inadequate funding and the absence of a permanent office accommodation as key challenges facing the Commission.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to enhance diaspora engagement and thanked the Ministry for its sustained support in protecting the interests of Nigerians abroad and promoting their contributions to national development.
