A major step toward strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its global diaspora was taken on Tuesday as the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), convened a high-level validation workshop in Abuja.
The workshop focused on a comprehensive study titled “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development.” Held at BON Hotel, Octagon, Jahi, the event brought together policymakers, lawmakers, development partners, diaspora experts, and representatives of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
In her welcome address, NISER Director-General, Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, described the study as a critical tool for advancing evidence-based policymaking and deepening diaspora engagement. She noted that the initiative reflects a shared commitment among stakeholders to leverage research in driving national development.
Simbine emphasized that Nigeria’s diaspora remained one of the country’s most strategic assets, contributing over $20 billion annually in remittances, while also playing key roles in knowledge transfer, innovation, mentorship, and global networking. However, she pointed out that challenges such as policy inconsistencies, weak institutional coordination, regulatory bottlenecks, and trust deficits continue to limit the full potential of diaspora contributions.
She explained that the study was designed to provide empirical insights into diaspora dynamics and propose practical, implementable policies to better integrate diaspora expertise into Nigeria’s development framework. According to her, the validation workshop will refine the study’s findings, build stakeholder consensus, and generate actionable strategies for improved diaspora engagement.
Also speaking, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Nigerians in the diaspora as highly resourceful and globally competitive, with notable achievements across sectors including medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, and public service.
She stressed the need to shift focus from remittances for consumption to investment-driven contributions that support sustainable development and wealth creation. Dabiri-Erewa noted that the workshop provides a platform to interrogate the study’s findings and develop a practical roadmap for harnessing diaspora potential.
Highlighting priority areas, she called for structured engagement frameworks, policy coherence, investment-friendly environments, and stronger emphasis on technology transfer and data-driven decision-making. She also urged stakeholders to address brain drain by promoting “brain gain” and “brain circulation” strategies.
Representing professional bodies, the Head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja Office, Adamu Yusuf, commended the initiative, describing it as a significant step toward maximizing diaspora contributions to national development. He urged participants to ensure that the study outcomes remain credible, inclusive, and implementable.
From the healthcare sector, a representative of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Liman Idris Mohammed, who spoke on behalf of NMA President Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, underscored the importance of diaspora collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s health system. He cited successful examples of Nigerian professionals abroad returning to establish medical facilities and introduce advanced practices such as IVF in the country.
Mohammed called for stronger collaboration and continuous knowledge exchange between Nigeria-based professionals and their counterparts abroad, emphasizing the need for sustained “circulation of skills” to enhance healthcare delivery.
The workshop is expected to produce a refined policy framework that will guide Nigeria’s diaspora engagement strategy, ensuring that the expertise, investments, and global networks of Nigerians abroad are effectively harnessed for national development.
