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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has secured a strategic
cooperation and collaboration with the United States Agency for
International Development (USAID-NIGERIA), for diaspora engagements,
particularly on youth empowerment, to deepen socio-economic development
of the country . USAID will also partner with Nidcom on this year’s
National Diaspora Day Celebrations .
These agreements were reached during a visit by USAID delegation to
NiDCOM office in Abuja.
The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike
Dabiri-Erewa, who welcomed the USAID delegation , led by Melissa Stones,
Country Director, said that the collaboration is timely and appropriate
as its content aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola
Tinubu’s administration, which is intentional about sector reforms and
youth empowerment.
Hon Dabiri-Erewa explained that the Commission serves as a vintage
linkage encouraging Nigerian Diaspora to impactfully invest homewards.
The NiDCOM Chairman emphasised that though the Federal Government,
through the Commission, has set up projects to effectively engage with
its Diaspora, there is still a critical need to establish
infrastructures and enabling environment for investments by Nigerians in
Diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa gave assurances that the partnership between NIDCOM and
USAID is highly pivotal and key to massive Diaspora engagement and
investment.
“The Nigerian Diaspora is an important asset to our nation. Through this
partnership with USAID Nigeria, we will be able to celebrate their
achievements and present opportunities to invest back home”, she said.
Country Director, USAID, Melissa Jones stated that the US Agency is
passionate about funding and empowerment of local partners and NGOs to
develop talents, skills for economic progress in Nigeria.
She further proposed a planned and structured relation between NiDCOM
and USAID for future projects, and discuss opportunities that will be
beneficial to the public, and private sectors in Nigeria.
Jones noted that the Diaspora is needed for development in Nigeria.
According to her, most qualified and competent professionals in the US,
are Nigerians and she believes it will be an opportunity for Nigeria to
relate strategically with its citizens abroad.
The USAID Country Director equally expressed its willingness to support
the Commission through partnership at its Diaspora Day and other key
events by engaging with US President’s Advisory Council to participate
actively at the 2024 National DiasporaDay Celebrations.
There was a consensus for a strategic think-tank between NIDCOM and
USAID to flesh up cooperation and collaborations, moving forward.
