The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery has re-emphasized the important role of the Nigerian Diaspora in the United Kingdom and pledged more collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
This is just as he stated the need for enhanced trade and investment between both countries, a statement by the NiDCOM Spokesperson Gabriel Odu noted.
Speaking during a courtesy call to Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission and some Management staff in the Office in Abuja, the British High Commissioner stated that the UK-Africa Summit scheduled to hold in May in the City of London, is a strategic opportunity to galvanize trade and investments for both countries and the African continent at large.
He commended NiDCOM for initiating programs such as the Diaspora investment summit and several others.
For her part, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed collaboration with the British High Commission and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to continue to enhance engagement with the Diaspora.
She also underscored the imperatives of cultural exchanges, advocating the revival of the Cultural RoadShow initially slated for 2020 but deferred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Outlining the Commission’s activities and programmes, Dabiri-Erewa seized the opportunity to emphasize the importance of creating comprehensive sensitization and awareness for Nigerians planning to migrate to the UK.
“We can’t stop migration, but as a government, we will create an enabling environment”, Dabiri-Erewa stated. “Nigeria and the UK government should have an MOU, particularly on migration of health workers”.
She expressed optimism ahead of the UK-Africa Investment Summit in London, and the role of the Nigerians in the UK in playing a catalytic role in bolstering partnerships between the UK, Nigeria, and the African continent.
