NIDCOM Boss Holds Townhall Meeting With Nigerians In Ghana

NIDCOM Boss Holds Townhall Meeting With Nigerians In Ghana

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission

(NIDCOM) has given assurances to Nigerians living in Ghana of the

Commission’s renewed engagement, dedication and commitment to addressing

a plethora of challenges confronting them.

sidelines of the African Diaspora Forum (DAF) Award 2024 in Accra,

Ghana.

The NIDCOM boss while clarifying one of the many questions bordering on

the recent relocation of the Commission to the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs;

explained that the Commission is already part of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs, and its operations have been seamless.

She also suggested that the integration into the Ministry could

strengthen the Commission and enhance engagement because it will now be

an agency.

Other questions asked by participants included the very high residence

permit fees charged in Ghana, influx of trafficked under-aged girls and

boys, the status of Nigerian traders in Ghana, the need to have a

comprehensive list of accredited universities to prevent Nigerian

students from being victims of unapproved Universities and many others.

They also commended the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

for his innovations in passport application processes.

Dabiri-Erewa also provided insights into NiDCOM’s programmes such as

the forthcoming launch of the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme scheduled

for April.

She emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Federal Mortgage

Bank, will offer a N50 million naira mortgage to support home ownership

in Nigeria for citizens  residing abroad.

“This initiative aims to empower Nigerians abroad to own homes in

Nigeria, excluding Lagos and Abuja, at favourable rates,” she explained.

Additionally, she highlighted other NiDCOM initiatives such as the

Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, National

Diaspora Day, and National Diaspora Merit Award,  as a platform to

address the challenges encountered by Nigerians residing in Ghana.

In his remarks, Ambassador Usman Aliyu Bakori, Head of Mussion expressed

appreciation to the Chairman for prioritising Diaspora issues and for

promptly addressing their concerns whenever called upon.

He also welcomed the housing scheme proposal, stating, “We value your

insights. Nigerian citizens in Ghana abide by the law. While we face

occasional challenges, we strive to manage them. We appeal to the

Federal Government for financial support, especially considering the

fluctuating exchange rates affecting our operations in Ghana.”

He emphasised the importance of devising strategies to facilitate

traders’ ownership of shops and properties without encountering

harassment.

The meeting witnessed presentations from various groups in Ghana,

including the Igbo, Yoruba and Arewa groups, Students Union, Trader

Union, Professionals, and other associations.