Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, 


‎NIDCOM celebrates monumental impact of Nigerians in diaspora, unveils Presidential Fellowship, investment drives, and strategic initiatives to deepen global contributions


‎Abuja, Nigeria – In a grand celebration of the unwavering contributions of over 20 million Nigerians living abroad, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) marked the 2025 National Diaspora Day with the launch of transformative initiatives aimed at channeling diaspora expertise into Nigeria’s national development.


‎At the heart of the event held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, was the unveiling of the Diaspora Presidential Fellowship Programme, a flagship six-month sabbatical initiative designed to attract Nigerian professionals abroad for knowledge transfer, innovation, and nation-building. The programme promises to boost “brain gain” and intellectual property contributions to the homeland.


‎Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her keynote address, lauded the Nigerian diaspora as "pacesetters and barrier-breakers" in critical sectors such as medicine, technology, business, and governance. She emphasized their unmatched commitment to national development, stating, “According to World Bank data, Nigerians abroad have remitted over $99 billion in the past six years alone — a resounding testament to their patriotic impact.”

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‎She described the diaspora as a rich blend of resilience, productivity, and patriotism, extending to both the modern and historic African diaspora. “National Diaspora Day celebrates the unity and diversity of Nigerians globally — those who represent the best of our people across continents,” she said.

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‎Among other key highlights, Dabiri-Erewa announced several strategic initiatives:

‎The Diaspora Data Mapping Portal: A dynamic platform (www.nidcom.gov.ng/registry) developed to catalogue global Nigerian talent and mobilize them for national growth.

‎Diaspora Investment Trust Fund: Designed to channel diaspora capital into strategic sectors like agriculture, ICT, energy, healthcare, and education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.

‎Diaspora Mortgage Scheme: A partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank and the Central Bank of Nigeria offering affordable housing options with flexible repayment plans for Nigerians living abroad.


‎In the cultural sphere, she spotlighted the Badagry Door of Return Festival, a symbolic event that reconnects descendants of the African diaspora from Europe, the Americas, and the Caribbean with their ancestral heritage — an initiative now serving as a platform for both tourism and investment.


‎Addressing welfare concerns, Dabiri-Erewa said NIDCOM continually responds to petitions from Nigerians abroad, including in countries like South Africa, India, Russia, and the UK. The commission has supported the registration of diaspora organizations through the Corporate Affairs Commission and played a crucial role in humanitarian operations — evacuating Nigerians affected by xenophobia, the Ukraine-Russia war, and crises in Sudan and the Middle East.


‎On the legislative front, she expressed optimism over recent progress on diaspora voting, with the bill now having passed first reading in the National Assembly — a milestone backed by Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Hon. Sadiq Ango Abdulahi. “This is a bold step toward securing political rights for Nigerians abroad,” she affirmed.

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‎Despite significant milestones, Dabiri-Erewa acknowledged persistent challenges: “Poor funding and lack of adequate office infrastructure, including global liaison offices, remain key obstacles to scaling our impact.”

‎She praised NIDCOM’s consistency since its inception over six years ago, emphasizing legacy programmes like the National Diaspora Merit Award, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series, and the Diaspora Research Centre at the University of Ibadan, which enrich diaspora engagement in policy, education, and innovation.

‎This year’s National Diaspora Day theme, “Optimizing Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” reflects a renewed commitment to harnessing the strength, intellect, and influence of Nigerians across the globe.

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‎Hon. Dabiri-Erewa extended heartfelt appreciation to sponsors and partners, including First Bank Plc, Central Bank of Nigeria, and Federal Mortgage Bank, whose support, she said, has been instrumental in advancing NIDCOM’s mission.

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‎“Our diaspora holds the keys to innovation, influence, and inclusive development. It’s time to deepen the bonds and build the Nigeria of our dreams together,” she concluded.