The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar said President Bola Tinubu’s four agenda of Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora (4Ds) will be vigorously pursued through modern solutions to address complex challenges for national development.
Tuggar stated this when the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa led the Management and Staff of the agency on a solidary visit to the Minister in Abuja.
He noted that Nigeria should tap into its diaspora beyond Europe and America and also focus on African diasporans to utilise its global exposure, skills and competencies for national development.
Tuggar applauded NiDCOM’s excellent performance within the short period of four years of its establishment, adding that some of the Commission’s programmes, especially the National Diaspora Day was worthy of emulation.
He noted that the world has tuned into Nigerian heritage and there is a yearning for Nigerian culture out there, hence the need to navigate the country’s soft power to advantage.
The Minister stated that NiDCOM can synergise with the Global Citizens Help Desk domiciled in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in case of emergencies for diaspora Nigerians.
Briefing the newly appointed Minister, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa called for collaboration of strategic ministries and agencies to upscale the annual $22 billion diaspora remittances, direct investments, medical missions and the establishment of Diaspora Continental Offices.
She said within four years, NiDCOM has consistently hosted the National Diaspora Day, attracting over 5000 hybrid participants annually including an inaugural Diaspora Merit Award 2023.
According to her, other strides recorded by the Commission, include National Diaspora Policy development, Diaspora Data Mapping and National Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).
They also include the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, States Diaspora Focal Point Officers Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, Badagry Door of Return and the Diaspora Weekly TV Show.
