The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has lauded the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its strategic contributions to the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda — Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora described the commission as a vital partner in national development.
Amb. Tuggar gave the commendation during a strategic working visit to NiDCOM in Abuja, praised the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the commission, for initiating innovative programmes that connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home while promoting the country’s image globally.
He said the 4Ds framework is a blueprint for addressing Africa’s key challenges from strengthening democratic institutions and boosting industrial growth for economic and food security, to harnessing demographic potential through targeted partnerships with the diaspora playing a central role as investors, innovators, and global ambassadors.
The Minister emphasised the need for constructive dialogue with Nigerians abroad to correct misconceptions, highlight progress, and encourage younger members of the diaspora to invest in the country, citing India’s “Neo India” initiative as a model.
He also commended NiDCOM’s operational efficiency, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response due to its close collaboration with the commission.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa outlined NiDCOM’s achievements, including the National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Awards, National Diaspora Policy (set for review next year), Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, Diaspora Housing Mortgage, Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing platform, creation of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers across all 36 states, Presidential Townhall Meetings, Badagry Door of Return Festival, Homestrings Initiative, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series.
She also highlighted diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy, and investments, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, better work accommodation, and increased funding to sustain the commission’s objectives.
Dabiri-Erewa thanked the Minister for swift interventions during the Ghana and Central African Republic evacuations, which she said protected Nigerians abroad and boosted the country’s image.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to placing diaspora engagement at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
