The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs has promised to push for increased funding for the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in the upcoming budget.
Hon. Chinedu Tochukwu Chikere, Chairman of the committee, made the commitment during an oversight visit to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, at the Commission’s Abuja office.
Chikere lauded Dabiri-Erewa’s leadership over the past seven years, noting the Commission’s achievements despite limited resources. He emphasized the urgent need for more funding and a suitable Diaspora Plaza to boost the Commission’s operations.
“You cannot head diaspora affairs, and be in Nigeria. You need to travel outside to engage with them,” Chikere said.
He added that NiDCOM has demonstrated remarkable commitment in engaging Nigerians abroad and called for stronger support to enable its staff and management to perform effectively.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa thanked the committee for their backing and stressed that enhanced financial support is critical for the Commission to fully achieve its mandate. She also outlined several initiatives, including the review of the National Diaspora Policy with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), National Diaspora Day on July 25 focusing on the healthcare system, and the Diaspora Merit Awards. Other plans include the upgraded Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, the State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ meeting in Edo State on April 12–13, and the Global Nigerian Diaspora Investment and Innovation Summit slated for August in Toronto, Canada.
Dabiri-Erewa also urged the committee to ensure that the Ministry of Labour enforces stricter measures against fraudulent agents who exploit Nigerians seeking work abroad with fake visa offers.
The committee’s visit included inspections of NiDCOM’s office facilities at the Federal Secretariat Complex and the annex building in Garki, Abuja.
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