NIDCOM, IOM, EU Review Nigeria's National Diaspora Policy

The Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU), held a high-level meeting in Abuja to review the National Diaspora Policy. The meeting aimed to assess progress, identify gaps, and develop actionable pathways for enhancing diaspora engagement.

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, stressed the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric and implement measurable outcomes, recognizing the diaspora as critical development partners. She highlighted the importance of legislative support for initiatives such as diaspora voting and the establishment of a diaspora investment trust fund.

The meeting also discussed the ongoing initiative for a diaspora data portal and the upcoming Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Canada. Sharon Dimanch from IOM emphasized the need for structured coordination of diaspora engagement, while Ron Hendrix from the EU noted the diaspora's role as a driver of national development.

The meeting concluded with a call for stronger sub-national engagement and better funding mechanisms to unlock the diaspora's potential.