The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on migration management and diaspora engagement.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, made this known during a strategic meeting with Ms. Paola Pace, Acting Chief of Mission, IOM, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Dabiri-Erewa lauded IOM’s consistent support, especially in developing and implementing the National Diaspora Policy, aimed at harnessing the potential of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development. She disclosed that plans are underway to review the policy to enhance its impact and relevance.
The NiDCOM boss commended IOM for its role in evacuating stranded Nigerians abroad, particularly from Libya, while calling for the resumption of the ‘short-term return programme,’ which facilitates knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals at home and abroad to foster “brain circulation” instead of brain drain.
On the Governors’ Project initiative, Dabiri-Erewa described it as a welcome development, aligning with NiDCOM’s ongoing collaboration with state governments through the appointment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across the 36 states and the FCT.
She further sought IOM’s assistance in capacity-building for NiDCOM staff to enhance their efficiency in managing diaspora affairs.
In her remarks, Ms. Pace commended NiDCOM for its proactive engagement with the Nigerian diaspora and their outstanding contributions to various fields.
She emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to address irregular migration among Nigerian youth while outlining IOM’s ongoing initiatives, including sensitisation workshops, the reintroduction of the short-term return programme, and advocacy against irregular migration.
Pace also highlighted IOM’s partnership with key government agencies, including the Ministry of Labour, to create seamless pathways for labour mobility and tackle challenges faced by migrants and the diaspora, especially in providing mental health rehabilitation and support services.
Both NiDCOM and IOM pledged their commitment to a robust partnership aimed at leveraging the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for national development.
