The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has lauded the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its sustained commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in Nigeria.
She made the commendation while receiving the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, ICMPD has remained a dependable partner since NiDCOM’s establishment, especially in strengthening migration governance and fostering diaspora engagement. She described the visit as strategic and timely in consolidating efforts to curb irregular migration and enhance diaspora contributions to national development.
Despite persistent warnings about the dangers of irregular migration, she lamented that many Nigerians still embark on such perilous journeys. “This year alone, over 6,000 Nigerians have been evacuated back home by the International Organisation for Migration and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI),” she disclosed.
“These figures reflect why we must work even harder to discourage irregular migration and offer more viable alternatives,” she added.
The NiDCOM boss emphasized the need for structured planning, robust diaspora policies, and stronger international collaboration to address the root causes of irregular migration. She also presented ICMPD with a copy of the Commission’s Voluntary Assets and Skills Placement for Returnees (VASP-R) policy, which she noted is currently under review to expand its impact.
In her remarks, Ms. Wolfsgruber commended NiDCOM for its proactive approach to diaspora affairs and reaffirmed ICMPD’s dedication to supporting the Commission in implementing sustainable migration initiatives.
She highlighted the vast potential of the Nigerian diaspora, stated that their value goes beyond financial remittances to include knowledge, global networks, and expertise. “You gave such a powerful intervention at the last diaspora summit, highlighting the full value of Nigerian remittances not just financial, but intellectual and structural. That’s where the true development power lies,” she said.
Ms. Wolfsgruber further assured that ICMPD would continue to engage with donors and development partners to ensure NiDCOM’s strategic priorities are fully supported in ongoing and future projects.
“This is not just about who funds what, but how we make the system work for itself. The Nigerian diaspora is a force for development, and we are proud to walk this journey with you,” she concluded.
