The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigerians living abroad should be regarded as strategic assets for national development rather than as consular burdens, underscoring the critical role of the diaspora in advancing the country’s economic growth and global image.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the declaration 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 top management team during a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters.
The Minister said Nigerians in the diaspora continue to distinguish themselves across the world in diverse fields, stressing that the actions of a few individuals responsible for negative media reports should not overshadow the positive contributions of the vast majority.
He commended NiDCOM for bridging 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 conditions.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye also praised Dabiri-Erewa for her resilience, dedication and commitment to promoting the interests of Nigerians abroad, saying her leadership has helped position the diaspora as a valuable partner in Nigeria’s development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with NiDCOM in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister further proposed a strategic partnership with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to deepen collaboration between state governments and Nigerians in the diaspora, with a view to driving development initiatives across the country.
Responding, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment and expressed confidence in sustaining the long-standing cordial relationship between the Commission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements since its establishment while identifying inadequate funding and the need for a permanent office accommodation as some of the Commission’s major challenges.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated NiDCOM’s commitment to working closely with the Ministry to strengthen diaspora engagement and thanked the Ministry for its continued support in promoting the interests of Nigerians abroad and contributing to national development.
