The Joint National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs has praised the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its commendable performance amidst limited resources.
The committee also pledged to advocate for increased funding and the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza to bolster the Commission’s operations.
The commendation came during the 2024 Budget Performance Review and the presentation of the 2025 Budget Proposal by NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and NGOs, presided over the session, emphasizing the noticeable difference between NiDCOM’s 2024 budget and the proposed 2025 allocation. He stressed the importance of enhanced financial support and infrastructure for the Commission, which plays a critical role in Nigeria’s development.
Sen. Umeh commended Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her effective leadership in increasing diaspora engagement despite the Commission’s limited resources, noting a rise in diaspora remittances and investments.
Members of the committee, including Senators Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, Ibrahim Dakwambo, Onawo Ogoshi, and Hon. Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe, discussed key issues such as external funding, diaspora data mapping, and internal disputes within Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters. The committee unanimously agreed on the need for better funding for NiDCOM and resolved to push for a revision of the Appropriation Bill to reflect this.
During her presentation, Dabiri-Erewa disclosed that NiDCOM managed a total budget of ₦263.1 million in 2024, achieved a 99% execution rate.
However, she noted that no funds had been released from the Office of the Accountant-General despite a capital budget of ₦1.6 billion.
For 2025, the proposed budget included ₦363.9 million for salaries, ₦377.1 million for overheads, and ₦541 million for personnel costs. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the Commission’s strategic plans, including enhancing diaspora engagement, increasing personnel capacity, and developing infrastructure to support investment and welfare programs. She underscored the urgent need for a Diaspora Plaza to serve as an office and a hub for Nigerians abroad.
Responding to questions about external funding, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that NiDCOM relied on sponsorships and partnerships for its major events, as it currently received no external funding.
She also emphasized the importance of diaspora data mapping and called for intervention in resolving disputes within NIDO chapters.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to the committee for its support and assured them of NiDCOM’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate.
