A delegation from Carbo Verde met with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja on how to deepen cooperation on diaspora engagement, migration management and development initiatives.
Receiving the delegation in Abuja, the Chairman of NiDCOM Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said structured diaspora engagement was imperative as a driver of national development and urged African countries to place greater priority on their citizens in the diaspora.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa who was represented by the secretary of the Commission, Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi outlined NiDCOM’s mandate and Nigeria’s framework for engaging its diaspora; highlighting the National Diaspora Policy as the guiding document for diaspora relations, that provides clear direction for engagement, investment and national participation.
Dabiri-Erewa informed the delegation that Nigeria has set aside July 25 every year as National Diaspora Day and has institutionalised the National Diaspora Merit Awards to recognise exceptional contributions by Nigerians in the Diaspora.
She also cited the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) as a key platform that has facilitated diaspora and foreign investments, while opening opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The NiDCOM Boss, further stated the Diaspora Youth Summit has been instrumental in engaging younger Nigerian diaspora populations understand Nigeria and identify ways to contribute to national development.
She emphasised the importance of collaboration with sister agencies, such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), particularly on migration management and trafficking in persons.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that calling on state governments to appoint State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) in their individual states was another step to strengthen grassroots-level diaspora engagement, as she noted that every Nigerian in the Diaspora traces their origin to a specific state.
The NiDCOM Chairman added that maintaining an active media presence across print, electronic, and social media platforms is essential to enhancing visibility, public awareness, and effective communication of diaspora-related initiatives.
On future plans, she disclosed that NiDCOM is exploring scholarship and exchange programmes to allow young Nigerians to study and learn through diaspora-based institutions. While acknowledging funding challenges, she noted that innovative and non-traditional funding approaches remain critical to sustaining diaspora initiatives.
Mr. Omaru Djalo Abreu, the leader of the delegation and Project Manager at the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD), Cabo Verde shared their country’s experience in diaspora engagement, disclosing that Cabo Verde has an estimated two million citizens living abroad.
He explained that sustained engagement across socio-cultural, economic, and financial sectors has played a significant role in national development.
Abreu noted that Cabo Verde’s diaspora has been pivotal during national emergencies, including support during the COVID-19 pandemic and other periods of need.
The leader of the delegation also highlighted similarities between both countries in diaspora data mapping systems, cultural and socio-cultural exchange programmes, and heritage-based tourism initiatives.
He also made reference to Cabo Verde’s Diaspora Museum, while Nigeria’s Badagry Door of Return and the Slave Trade Museum in Badagry were cited as important historical and cultural sites that connect the Diaspora to their roots.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and the exchange of best practices to strengthen diaspora engagement as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development.
The study visit was made up of a joint delegation from Cabo Verde, comprising Migrant Management Institutions and the National Observatory on Trafficking in Persons.