By Gabriel Ameh, The Sight News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has praised the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its outstanding contribution to diaspora engagement, describing it as a vital pillar in delivering the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda—Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.
Tuggar who made this known during a strategic working visit to NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, commended the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, for designing and implementing innovative programmes that connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home while enhancing Nigeria’s global image, a statement by the NIDCOM Spokesperson, Mr. Gabriel Odu.
According to the Minister, the 4Ds framework is a strategic blueprint to tackle Africa’s pressing challenges from strengthening democratic institutions and driving industrial growth for economic and food security, to leveraging demographic potential through targeted partnerships with diaspora participation at its core.
“The Nigerian diaspora is central to this vision, not just as remitters, but as investors, innovators, and global ambassadors for Nigeria,” Tuggar said, stressing the need for continuous dialogue with Nigerians abroad to correct misconceptions, showcase progress, and inspire younger diasporans to invest in the country. He cited India’s “Neo India” initiative as an example of proactive diaspora engagement.
Tuggar also praised NiDCOM’s operational efficiency, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response, due to its strong collaboration with the Commission.
Highlighting NiDCOM’s achievements, Dabiri-Erewa listed the National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Awards, the National Diaspora Policy (slated for review next year), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing platform, State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) in all 36 states, Presidential Townhall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series, among others.
She also pointed to diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy, and investments as impactful contributions, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, improved work facilities, and increased funding to sustain the Commission’s objectives.
Dabiri-Erewa thanked the Minister for his swift interventions during the evacuation of Nigerians from Ghana and the Central African Republic, noting that such efforts have safeguarded Nigerians abroad and enhanced the country’s image.
Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM reaffirmed their commitment to making diaspora engagement a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
