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Stakeholders in the Diaspora matters have described reinforced
networking and synergy among all as critical for the promotion of
diaspora relations for national building.
This was one of the highlights at the fourth Summit of the Standing
Committee on Diaspora Matters and the State Diaspora Focal Point
Officers (SDFPOs), organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
(NiDCOM), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in
Abuja.
In his opening remarks, representative of the Chief of Mission for the
IOM, Mr. Victor Lutenco, stressed the need for a robust development
between Nigeria and the Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Lutenco added that mechanisms or platforms for Nigerians abroad to
invest into the nation’s economy should be made available, while adding
that the Government should ensure that adequate welfare for the
Diasporas and ensure their participation in electoral process.
He commended the Nigerian government for creating a strategy and
structure to look inwards at converting the brain-drain phenomenon to
brain-gain and brain circulation for national development.
Speaking via Zoom from Seoul, South Korea, Hon (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa,
the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM said that for more service delivery towards
galvanising the relationship between Nigeria and its Diaspora, the
Commission needs to be strengthened, in terms of functionality and as
independently as possible.
Dabiri-Erewa seized the opportunity to reiterate the need not to give
up on Diaspora voting, as other African countries are fast adopting
diaspora voting in their respective electoral process.
The NiDCOM Boss said that the Diasporas need to work together to boost
and grow the nation, from the grassroot level at various state levels,
to the federal level in Nigeria.
She thanked the IOM for their endless support in the affairs of
migration and the diaspora in Nigeria.
The meeting also had progress reports and discussions from State
Diaspora Focal Point Officers and other stakeholders present at the
event.
