NIDCOM, A Strategic Link For Diaspora Engagement- Dabiri-Erewa

January 19, 2023

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“Policy Formation and The Implementation of Practical Experience: The

National Diaspora Policy 2021 in Perspective” was the focus of the

lecture delivered by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO Nigerians

in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) at the National Defence College, Abuja.

holistic and integrated document that supports the framework for

maximizing the value of Diaspora contributions to National development.

This involves the active participation of all stakeholders so as to

decentralize Diaspora contribution to every sector of the economy.

According to her, “Ours in NiDCOM is to guide the Diaspora and link them

up with required agencies, while ensuring an enabling environment for

them to participate fully in National Development.”

Dabiri-Erewa further shared her practical experience of the formulation

and Implementation of the National Diaspora Policy where she raised the

challenges and progress of the implementation of the policy to include:

Inadequate data on Nigerians in the Diaspora, high cost of remittances,

pooling of funds from the Diaspora for targeted Foreign Direct

Investments among others.

Part of the progress she stated include: the approval of The Nigeria

Diaspora Investment Trust Fund (NDITF) by President Muhammadu Buhari,

establishment of the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal by the commission and

others.

Rear Admiral Murtala Mormoni Bashir, the Commandant, National Defence

College, while appreciating the guest lecturer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa

appreciated the quality service she is rendering to the Nation.

“Although the policy is at an infant stage, I can proudly say we are

better informed on policy formation and implementation with the

practical experience you have just shared.” Bashir acknowledged.

The Commandant urged the participants to make value out of the knowledge

shared as it perfectly aligns with the objectives of the Course.

The NDC Course 31 had in attendance 115 Participants with 21

Participants from 20 countries across Africa and Asia.