The Federal Government has stated that Nigerians in the Diaspora should not be viewed as a consular burden but rather as a veritable asset for national development.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed the position of the government on Thursday.
He spoke when he received on a courtesy visit the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Commission’s top management staff, in his office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Headquarters in Abuja.
Enikanolaiye noted that Nigerians across the globe are making remarkable contributions in their various fields of endeavour, adding that only a few individuals are responsible for the negative media narratives about Nigeria abroad.
Despite these isolated incidents, he stressed that the country’s outlook remains positive.
While acknowledging NiDCOM for its remarkable strides over the years despite numerous challenges, the Minister said the Commission has effectively filled the institutional gap that existed before its establishment, thereby justifying the Federal Government’s decision to create the Commission.
He also commended Dabiri-Erewa for her resilience, dedication, and commitment over the years.
According to him, her efforts have continued to place Nigerians in the Diaspora on the global map while ensuring that their skills, expertise, and resources are harnessed for Nigeria’s national development.
Enikanolaiye further reaffirmed the Ministry’s readiness to continue working closely with NiDCOM in advancing the 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He suggested a strategic engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum aimed at strengthening collaboration between state governments and Nigerians in the Diaspora to enhance development initiatives across the country.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the Commission’s achievements since its establishment while also outlining some of its challenges, including inadequate funding and the need for a permanent office structure.
She formally congratulated Ambassador Enikanolaiye on his appointment as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and noted that NiDCOM has, over the years, enjoyed a cordial and productive working relationship with successive Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to working closely with the Minister in deepening diaspora engagement and expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its sustained collaboration and partnership in promoting the interests of Nigerians in the Diaspora and advancing national development.
