NIDCOM-USAID Partner On Diaspora Engagements

NIDCOM-USAID Partner On Diaspora Engagements

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has secured a strategic

cooperation and collaboration with the United States Agency for

International Development (USAID-NIGERIA), for diaspora engagements,

particularly on youth empowerment, to deepen socio-economic development

of the country . USAID will also partner with Nidcom on this year’s

National Diaspora Day Celebrations .

These agreements were reached during a  visit by USAID delegation to

NiDCOM office in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa, who welcomed the USAID delegation , led by Melissa Stones,

Country Director, said that the collaboration is timely and appropriate

as its content aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola

Tinubu’s administration, which is intentional about sector reforms and

youth empowerment.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa explained that the Commission serves as a vintage

linkage  encouraging Nigerian Diaspora to impactfully invest homewards.

The NiDCOM Chairman emphasised that though the Federal Government,

through the Commission, has set up projects to effectively engage with

its Diaspora,  there is still a critical need to establish

infrastructures and enabling environment for investments by Nigerians in

Diaspora.

Dabiri-Erewa gave assurances that  the partnership between NIDCOM and

USAID  is highly pivotal and  key to massive Diaspora engagement and

investment.

“The Nigerian Diaspora is an important asset to our nation. Through this

partnership with USAID Nigeria, we will be able to celebrate their

achievements and present opportunities to invest back home”,  she said.

  Country Director, USAID,  Melissa Jones stated that the US Agency is

passionate about funding and empowerment of local partners and NGOs  to

develop talents, skills for  economic progress in Nigeria.

She further  proposed a planned and structured relation between NiDCOM

and USAID for future projects, and discuss opportunities that will be

beneficial to the public, and private sectors in Nigeria.

Jones noted that the Diaspora is needed for development in Nigeria.

According to her,  most qualified and competent professionals in the US,

are Nigerians and she believes it will be an  opportunity for Nigeria to

relate strategically with its citizens abroad.

The USAID Country Director equally expressed its willingness to support

the Commission through partnership at its Diaspora Day and other key

events by engaging with US President’s Advisory Council to participate

actively at the 2024 National DiasporaDay Celebrations.

There was a consensus for a strategic think-tank between NIDCOM and

USAID to flesh up cooperation and collaborations, moving forward.