L-R: Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) discussing something of interest with the DG of Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) Prof. A. Taiwo Simbine during the validation workshop of six-continent survey of Nigerian Professional in Diaspora.
By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commenced the validation workshop for a landmark diaspora study aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s policy framework for national development.
The study, titled “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development,” seeks to provide practical strategies for engaging Nigerians abroad and integrating their expertise into the country’s growth agenda.
Held in Abuja, the workshop attracted policymakers, lawmakers, diaspora experts, development partners, professional bodies, media representatives, and officials from relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at the event, Director-General of NISER, Antonia Taiye Simbine, described the exercise as a critical milestone in advancing evidence-based policymaking and sustainable diaspora engagement. She said the workshop demonstrates a shared national commitment to leveraging the enormous potential of Nigerians abroad for development.
According to Simbine, Nigeria’s diaspora community remains one of the country’s most valuable assets, contributing over 20 billion US dollars annually in remittances while also driving knowledge transfer, innovation, specialist skills, mentorship, and global networking opportunities.
She noted, however, that policy inconsistencies, weak institutional coordination, trust gaps, and regulatory bottlenecks have continued to limit the full benefits of diaspora engagement. She explained that the study was designed to provide data-driven solutions to these challenges.
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described Nigerians in the diaspora as one of the most vibrant and resourceful global communities, excelling across medicine, technology, entrepreneurship, public service, and the creative economy.
She said the focus should move beyond remittances for consumption toward remittances for investment that can drive sustainable development, wealth creation, and national transformation.
Dabiri-Erewa added that the workshop offers an opportunity to validate the findings of the six-continent survey and refine policy recommendations into a workable roadmap for structured diaspora engagement.
She identified priority areas including stronger policy coordination, investment-friendly systems, technology transfer, innovation, and comprehensive data-driven strategies. She also urged stakeholders to convert brain drain into brain gain and brain circulation for Nigeria’s benefit.
Also speaking, Head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja Office, Mr. Adamu Yusuf, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step toward unlocking diaspora potential in investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
Representing the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, Dr. Liman Idris Mohammed highlighted the importance of diaspora collaboration in strengthening healthcare delivery and professional development in Nigeria.
He cited examples of Nigerian medical professionals who returned from abroad to establish modern healthcare facilities and specialised medical services such as In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF), which are now widely available across the country.
Participants at the workshop were urged to contribute practical recommendations that would strengthen the final report and support the creation of a more effective national diaspora engagement framework.
