The National Assembly is intensifying its efforts to empower Nigerians living overseas with the right to participate in national elections, as the Federal Government enhances its engagement with the diaspora community.
This renewed focus was prominently showcased during the Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025) held in Abuja, where legislators reiterated their dedication to inclusivity and introduced innovative digital tools designed to foster stronger connections with Nigerians abroad.
On Monday, Tajudeen Abbas, Speaker of the House of Representatives, announced the launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) Application and Website, marking the official opening of NiSEDiG 2025 in Abuja.
Represented by Patrick Umoh, the lawmaker for Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, Abbas described the proposed legislation as a significant milestone aimed at enhancing democratic engagement and ensuring that every Nigerian, irrespective of their location, plays an active role in the country’s development.
“The 10th House of Representatives prioritizes diaspora engagement as a key component of its legislative agenda, which emphasizes inclusion, transparency, and economic reform,” he emphasized.
Earlier in the event, Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, explained that NiSEDiG 2025 was designed to establish a unified policy framework that integrates institutions, laws, and technology to improve governance related to the diaspora.
“The newly introduced NiDRes App and Website aim to simplify access to government services for Nigerians abroad, facilitate communication with embassies and missions worldwide, and enable real-time responses to national matters,” Okere added.
In her keynote address, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), highlighted the significant strides made in diaspora engagement since the Commission’s inception six years ago.
She noted that the relationship between Nigeria and its diaspora has achieved remarkable progress across various sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, information technology, transportation, and volunteerism. According to her, the nation is now entering a phase focused on consolidating these gains to further national development.
Dabiri-Erewa recalled that the National Diaspora Policy, ratified by the Federal Executive Council on April 28, 2021, serves as the foundational framework for integrating diaspora contributions into national planning and development strategies.
She also referenced the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, launched in June 2021, which facilitates comprehensive data collection and supports informed policymaking concerning Nigerians living abroad.
Highlighting the economic impact, the NiDCOM chief pointed out that diaspora remittances remain Nigeria’s largest source of foreign exchange, totaling US$23.81 billion in 2019, which accounted for approximately six percent of the country’s GDP.
Several initiatives led by NiDCOM have deepened diaspora involvement, including the annual National Diaspora Day on July 25, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) that links overseas investors with local opportunities, National Town Hall Meetings that foster direct dialogue between the President and Nigerians abroad, and the National Diaspora Merit Awards recognizing outstanding diaspora achievements.
Additionally, the Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series addresses issues affecting Nigerians overseas, while NiDCOM collaborates with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs to assist in the repatriation of distressed citizens.
Despite these successes, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited funding, insufficient office space, and the urgent need to amend the NiDCOM Act to establish a sustainable financing model through levies on diaspora remittances.
“Overcoming these obstacles is essential to sustaining the progress made and empowering NiDCOM to act as a more effective bridge between the government and Nigerians abroad,” she stressed.
The NiSEDiG 2025 forum and the launch of the NiDRes App symbolize Nigeria’s renewed dedication to creating a more organized, inclusive, and technology-driven system for diaspora engagement.
The event attracted participation from Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations (NIDO), academics, students, youth groups, the Nigerian Immigration Service, various government ministries, departments, agencies, and state diaspora focal point officers.