NIDCOM Urges African Diaspora to Connect Globally

At the 2026 Black Engineer Week in San Jose, California, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), emphasized the critical role of the African diaspora as a bridge to global opportunities.

She challenged diaspora professionals to utilize their expertise and resources to influence and invest in the development of the African continent, countering the long-held narrative of brain drain with the concept of "brain gain" and "brain circulation." Dabiri-Erewa identified three areas where the diaspora has made significant contributions: talent, capital, and credibility. She noted the underrepresentation of Black African engineers in Silicon Valley and highlighted NIDCOM's initiatives to promote remote work opportunities for Nigerian professionals.

She also pointed out the vast untapped potential of diaspora remittances and investments, which could drive industrialization and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Furthermore, she called for stronger collaboration between institutions in Silicon Valley and African universities to unlock opportunities for the 1.4 billion Africans.