NiDCOM celebrates 3-years of establishment, reveals receipt of 700 petitions from Nigerians in Diaspora

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) celebrated three (3) years of its establishment at the recently staged National Diaspora Day 2022 Celebration.

Charged with the mandate being the constructive engagement with Nigerians in Diaspora for national development, the Commission revealed that its Legal Unit received over Seven Hundred (700) Petitions from Nigerians in Diaspora.

This was revealed in the opening remarks by HON. Dr. Abike Dabiri Erewa, CHAIRMAN/CEO (NIDCOM) who also stated that Nigerians in the Diaspora are worthy of being celebrated because they are achievers and good ambassadors of Nigerians in their host countries.

She said; ‘‘The 25th of July every year has been designated by the Federal government to honour and celebrate the Nigerians in Diaspora as prescribed by the National Diaspora Policy. I stand here therefore, to express my appreciation for another opportunity to celebrate the Nigerians in the diaspora.

4.0 The theme for this year’s celebration ”DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT IN GLOBAL CHALLENGING TIMES FOR NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT” is apt and appropriate due to the challenging times the Nigerians in Diaspora and the world are experiencing due to the impact of COVID – 19 pandemic, insecurities, Russian-Ukraine war and the global economic downturn. Despite these, the Nigerians in the diaspora are excelling and giving back to the development of Nigeria.

‘‘The realization of these successes by Nigerians in the Diaspora is adduced to the existing platform of NiDCOM which has led some African countries visit Nigeria to learn how to engage their diaspora bearing in mind the huge potentials of the diaspora and the impact of their contribution to the economy of their country.

‘‘I am happy to announce that the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPO) in the states, have established the necessary network and are constantly liaising with NiDCOM through the SDFPO’s summit. States like Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Edo and Ondo now have a Ministry, Commission, Agency respectfully. This has led to more investments and participation of diaspora in projects/programmes in their States.

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‘‘NiDCOM is not resting on its oars as there is constant collaboration and partnership with MDAs and the Private sectors for the participation of the Nigerians in the diaspora in socio-economic development of the country.

‘‘The Legal Unit of the Commission among its numerous functions received over Seven Hundred (700) Petitions from Nigerians in Diaspora and they were treated accordingly. In line with the requirement for a letter of no objection from NiDCOM by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for the registration of Business by the Diaspora, I am happy to inform you that about One Hundred and Forty Three (143) letters of “No Objection” were issued and they have successfully registered Companies, NGOs with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC)

‘‘The Commission in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerians in Diaspora, particularly the Medical Professional Bodies embarked on a strategic capacity building and knowledge transfer programme for the Health Sector.

‘‘This was of great interest to the Health Sector and the country Nigeria. The pilot programme was flagged off on the 22nd of March, 2022 by the Hon. Minister of Health Dr. E. Osagie Ehanire and this will be a continuous activity.. A total of Seventy-Five (75) medical practitioners where trained via webinar i.e Twenty five (25) Doctors, Nurses and Pharmacist each from three (3) University Teaching hospitals. I want to encourage other Diaspora Associations, Professional Bodies, individuals and groups to emulate this and create more activities for capacity building back home.

‘‘The publication of the book + 600 Diaspora Icon at 60 was to showcase the enormous achievements of Nigerians all over the world. We have to ensure its continuous publication to tell our story and to change the narrative of what is perceived of a Nigerian in the diaspora. Copies are available in the Commission.

‘‘The Diaspora Mortgage Scheme for the Nigerians in diaspora was also concluded by the Federal Mortgage Bank to enable the diaspora to own a home anywhere of their choice in Nigeria with a basic loan of 50 Million Naira and would be shortly launched. So that Nigerians in the diaspora apart from investing at home could also own a house from a credible source.

‘‘The Badagry Door of return held yearly in October which was initiated to also celebrate the Historical African Diaspora whose ancestors left the shores of this country as slaves. This would also be celebrated this year in October. Their descendants would be received as kings and queens. Recently some black Americans came to Nigeria after their DNA confirmed that they are from Nigeria and they have since changed their English names to indigenous Nigerian names.

‘‘The Nigerians in Diaspora Investment summit is held every year in November to encourage the participation of the diaspora in investing in the various manufacturing industries, Banking , Real estate, etc. This year’s summit will be held in November, 2022 and you are all invited.

‘‘The Nigerians in Diaspora Investment Trust (NDIT) is being established to encourage more investments for the Nigerians in the Diaspora leading to the Diaspora Direct Investment (DDI) alongside the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).

‘‘The Diaspora voting is also being pursued and will be represented at the next Parliament and I plead for more collaboration and synergy among the Diaspora associations for the actualization of the same.

‘‘Please remember that the Diaspora Registration Portal was launched last year 2021 and it’s in operation. I encourage all Nigerians in the Diaspora to log on and assist the Commission generate the necessary data for the purpose of effective planning.

‘‘The National Diaspora Merit Award was compiled and the Committee had concluded its assignment. The Awardees will be informed and they will be celebrated at a date that will be communicated later in the year.

‘‘I thank you all for participating in this year’s National Diaspora Day Celebration and I call on all the Nigerians in the Diaspora to know that NiDCOM is open to suggestions on how to serve you better,’’ Abike’s remarks stated in full.