The Federal Government of Nigeria and the Republic of Turkey have agreed to deepen collaboration on diaspora engagement to strengthen bilateral relations and knowledge exchange.
This emerged during a strategic meeting in Abuja between the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the newly appointed Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Memmet Poroy.
Ambassador Poroy proposed a working partnership between NiDCOM and Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, the country’s agency in charge of diaspora affairs.
The envoy disclosed that the Turkish diaspora population is estimated at 7.5 million, with 6.5 million residing in Europe and others spread across the United States. He explained that Turkish nationals abroad actively participate in local politics, with some holding key political offices across Europe.
Poroy expressed interest in understanding the Nigerian diaspora experience, noting its similarities with that of Turkey. He commended NiDCOM for its diaspora portal initiative, describing it as a valuable model for effective data gathering and improved diaspora relations.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the partnership proposal, stressing that both nations share common diaspora challenges and opportunities. She highlighted NiDCOM’s Diaspora Registration Portal, Diaspora Investment Summit, National Diaspora Day, and Diaspora Merit Awards as initiatives that promote engagement, showcase success stories, and encourage Nigerians abroad to contribute to national development.
The NiDCOM boss also called for improved media representation to highlight the positive contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora.
On the plight of Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus, Dabiri-Erewa called for urgent interventions. Ambassador Poroy assured that dialogue would be facilitated through the Embassy of Northern Cyprus in Turkey to address the matter.
The meeting ended with the presentation of Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy and publications from the National Diaspora Day and Diaspora Merit Awards to the Turkish envoy.
