By Edwin Nwachukwu
The Federal Government has said Nigerians in the diaspora are valuable partners for national development and should not be treated as a consular burden.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Commission’s top management to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye said Nigerians abroad continue to make strong contributions in different sectors.
He added that only a few individuals create the negative media stories about Nigeria overseas. Despite that, he said the country’s image remains positive.
The minister praised NiDCOM for its achievements despite several challenges. He said the Commission has filled the gap that existed before its creation and justified the Federal Government’s decision to establish it.
Enikanolaiye commended Dabiri-Erewa for her commitment and resilience.
He said her leadership has helped project Nigerians in the diaspora positively while supporting efforts to use their skills, expertise and resources for national development.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with NiDCOM to advance the 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also proposed closer engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen partnerships between state governments and Nigerians in the diaspora for development projects.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.
She said NiDCOM has maintained a productive working relationship with successive ministers and remains committed to deeper diaspora engagement.
She highlighted the Commission’s achievements since its establishment. She also identified inadequate funding and the lack of a permanent office as key challenges.
Dabiri-Erewa thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued partnership in promoting the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora and supporting national development.
External Links
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://foreignaffairs.gov.ng
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM): https://nidcom.gov.ng
Nigeria Governors’ Forum: https://ngforum.org
