Stakeholders review Nigeria’s 2021 diaspora policy

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under the European Union-funded programme, convened a high-level meeting of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters (SCDM) on Monday to review and strengthen the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy 2021. The strategic engagement, held in Abuja, brought together key […]

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) under the European Union-funded programme, convened a high-level meeting of the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters (SCDM) on Monday to review and strengthen the implementation of the National Diaspora Policy 2021.
The strategic engagement, held in Abuja, brought together key stakeholders to assess progress, identify gaps, and develop actionable pathways for a more structured, inclusive, and results-driven diaspora engagement framework.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, stated the urgent need to move beyond rhetoric to measurable outcomes, describing the diaspora as a critical development partner whose contributions extend far beyond remittances to investment.
“The diaspora is not just a community abroad, but a development partner, a force for progress and a force for development,” she stated. “We keep talking about potential; it is time to harness that potential deliberately and strategically.”
She acknowledged funding constraints as a major challenge but stressed the importance of sustained institutional support, noting that “NiDCOM is here to stay,” having proven its relevance in coordinating diaspora engagement across Nigeria.
Highlighting global examples, she noted that even small, coordinated diaspora efforts can significantly impact national economies, adding that Nigerians abroad possess “enormous resources in knowledge, innovation, and influence” that must be effectively harnessed.
She further called for stronger legislative backing for diaspora-focused initiatives, including diaspora voting, the establishment of a Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and enhanced funding mechanisms, stating: “The diaspora is very critical, and we need better funding and legal frameworks to fully unlock its potential.”
She highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the Diaspora Data Portal, National Diaspora Day Celebrations (July 25), and the upcoming Nigeria Diaspora Economic Conference in Canada, as part of efforts to deepen structured diaspora engagement.
The Chief of Mission, IOM Nigeria, Ms Sharon Dimanche, represented by Ms Ukamaka Anyanechi, underscored the importance of structured and coordinated diaspora engagement.
She noted that the Nigerian Diaspora is one of the country’s most significant yet underleveraged development partners, highlighting contributions across healthcare, ICT, academia, entrepreneurship, and the creative economy.
She emphasised that through the EU-funded Support to Migration Governance Programme, IOM is working closely with NiDCOM and other stakeholders to strengthen institutional frameworks, improve coordination mechanisms, and support the ongoing review of the National Diaspora Policy.