The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has commenced its 2025 Comprehensive Data Mapping for Nigerians in Euroasia, emphasizing the importance of credible data in diaspora engagement and the push for diaspora voting.
Speaking in Abuja, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, underscored the significance of data mapping in strengthening ties between Nigeria and its diaspora community. She urged Nigerians in the Euroasia region to register on the Commission’s Data Mapping Portal, described it as a critical step toward making diaspora voting a reality.
“Every Nigerian of voting age, irrespective of location, deserves a voice in Nigeria’s democratic process, especially Nigerian diasporas, powerful agents of national development,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.
She noted that one of the major challenges to diaspora voting remains the absence of reliable data on Nigerians living abroad, hence the focus on registration. The NiDCOM boss described the initiative as a milestone in the Commission’s engagement with the Euroasia diaspora in the first quarter of 2025.
Commending the Council of Nigerian Association Presidents in Australia (CONAPA) for its collaboration, Dabiri-Erewa encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora to highlight their contributions and participate in the upcoming National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA).
“We want to recognize the impact of Nigerians abroad. Your contributions to national development deserve to be celebrated,” she added.
Also speaking, Amb. Jane Bassey Adams, Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to Australia, described the initiative as timely and essential. She assured that the Mission is working closely with relevant agencies in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure the dignity and welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, Head of NiDCOM’s Technology Transfer and Innovation (TTI) Department, showcased the portal’s user-friendly interface, assuring participants that it is fully compliant with Nigeria’s Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and equipped with advanced encryption for security.
Mr. Jerry Ikediashi, Managing Director/CEO of Ansel Nig. Ltd., NiDCOM’s technology partner, emphasized the crucial role of diaspora Nigerians in national development. He highlighted the platform’s features, including real-time data collection and seamless cross-time-zone accessibility, ensuring Nigerians in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond are part of the engagement process.
Leaders of Nigerian associations in Australia, including Dr. Remi Yusuf, CONAPA President; Mr. Benjamin Edokpolo, Council for Victoria President; Dr. Pedus Eweama, former CONAPA leader; and Mr. Chris Fayomi, NANS Australia President, applauded NiDCOM’s initiative. They called for increased awareness and timely responses to diaspora inquiries to ensure broader participation in the data mapping exercise.
Launched in 2021, NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data-Mapping Portal gathers demographic information on Nigerians abroad, enabling the Commission to tailor diaspora-focused initiatives such as Diaspora Mortgage Schemes and Housing Programs.
With the Euroasia data mapping exercise now underway, NiDCOM continue to strengthen its commitment to effective diaspora engagement and the realization of diaspora voting.
*Engr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, and Mr. Jerry Ikediashi, MD/CEO, Ansel Nig Ltd., (middle), with Management and Staff of NiDCOM at a virtual Diaspora Data Mapping Townhall Meeting, themed: “Harnessing Diaspora for Insights: Comprehensive Data mapping in Euroasia” in Abuja.
