The Federal Government has reaffirmed that Nigerians in the Diaspora should be recognised as valuable assets for national development rather than being viewed as consular burdens.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the remarks 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 team to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye said Nigerians living abroad continue to make significant contributions in different sectors across the world, stressing that only a few individuals are responsible for the negative narratives often associated with the country.
He maintained that despite such isolated cases, Nigeria’s global image remains positive and that the expertise, investments and contributions of Nigerians in the Diaspora should be harnessed to drive national development.
The minister commended NiDCOM for its achievements despite operational challenges, noting that the Commission has successfully filled the institutional gap that existed before its establishment and justified the Federal Government’s decision to create it.
He also praised Abike Dabiri-Erewa for her dedication, resilience and commitment, saying her leadership has helped project Nigerians in the Diaspora positively while promoting their skills, expertise and resources for the country’s development.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with NiDCOM in advancing the 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further proposed stronger collaboration between NiDCOM and the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to encourage greater engagement between state governments and Nigerians in the Diaspora in support of development initiatives nationwide.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements since its establishment while identifying key challenges facing the Commission, including inadequate funding and the need for a permanent office.
She congratulated Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and noted that NiDCOM has consistently maintained a productive working relationship with successive ministers.
The NiDCOM boss reiterated the Commission’s commitment to strengthening diaspora engagement and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its continued collaboration in promoting the interests of Nigerians abroad and supporting national development.
