NIDCOM Urges Nigerians in Diaspora to Prioritize Investment in Home Country
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called on Nigerians living abroad to prioritize investments in Nigeria to foster the country’s growth.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the CEO and Chairman of NIDCOM, made this call during a courtesy visit to Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, at the Bauchi Government House Council Chamber on Tuesday. Dabiri-Erewa was represented by the commission’s secretary, Yakubu Bassey, who shared that the visit was part of a Sensitisation and Advocacy Program aimed at promoting diaspora investment in northeast Nigeria. This initiative is part of a nationwide program that NIDCOM has undertaken in all of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
According to Bassey, NIDCOM has already recorded over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora, emphasizing the critical role they can play in contributing to the country’s rapid development. As part of this effort, NIDCOM developed the first-ever National Diaspora Policy to support subnational governments in establishing state diaspora commissions.
Governor Bala Mohammed expressed his enthusiasm for working with NIDCOM to harness the vast human capital potential of Nigerians abroad. He highlighted the significance of leveraging the skills and expertise of the diaspora community to drive economic growth and development in Nigeria. The governor praised NIDCOM for its efforts in advocating for the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora and fostering partnerships between the diaspora and the Nigerian government.
Mohammed acknowledged the substantial contributions of Nigerians abroad, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and technology. However, he also stressed the need to address the challenges faced by diaspora Nigerians, including issues of mistrust and frustration with the system. He urged the creation of more opportunities for Nigerians abroad to invest in their home country, suggesting the development of nursing schools, teaching hospitals, and other institutions as key areas for investment.
The governor expressed his commitment to collaborating with NIDCOM to identify investment opportunities and create a conducive environment for Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to the country’s development.
