Global Coalition Urges Nigerian Government to Reserve Parliamentary Seats for Diaspora Citizens

The Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria (GCSDN) has called on the Nigerian government to include Nigerians in the diaspora in the ongoing constitutional review by reserving dedicated parliamentary seats for them.

This comes as the House of Representatives recently proposed 55 reserved seats in the House and 27 in the Senate to improve representation for women and persons with disabilities. The proposals were announced during the 2nd Legislative Open Week in Abuja by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, who emphasized the need for inclusive governance.

However, the GCSDN, in a statement signed by its Global Coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige, criticized the exclusion of diaspora Nigerians from the arrangement, describing it as a clear act of neglect toward citizens who contribute significantly to the country’s economy through remittances and global advocacy.

“At least 20 parliamentary seats, four from each continent ought to be reserved for Nigerians in the diaspora. What exactly is the offence of Nigerians abroad? Are they only relevant when it’s time to promote the government’s image?” Odorige asked.

The Coalition also condemned the federal government’s delay in establishing the board of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), which, according to the enabling law, should include 12 diaspora representatives.

“Countries like Senegal, Algeria, and Angola have institutionalized diaspora inclusion. Senegal has eight parliamentary seats reserved for its diaspora, Algeria also reserves eight, and Angola sets aside three. Nigeria should follow suit if it truly values its citizens abroad,” the statement added.

GCSDN further criticized what it called the unconstitutional suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, arguing that it signaled a broader effort to silence diaspora advocacy.

The group expressed disappointment that despite many Nigerian leaders having lived abroad, President Bola Tinubu included no diaspora citizen has been appointed in the current administration.

“Despite all their contributions, diaspora Nigerians remain politically invisible. Their exclusion is unjustified, unconstitutional, and economically shortsighted.”

Efforts to secure diaspora voting rights and representation have long faced hurdles in Nigeria. A similar proposal in 2022 was rejected by the Senate due to lack of the required two-thirds majority. But recent legislative actions in the House, including renewed support from Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, indicate that the issue may once again be gaining traction.