NiDCOM Celebrates Nigerians Appointed to Influential Global Positions
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has praised Nigerians making significant contributions to international organisations, healthcare, business and academia, describing their achievements as a reflection of the country's human capital and professional excellence.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 26, 2026, the commission's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the growing presence of Nigerians in influential global positions highlights their ability to contribute to innovation, research and international development.
Dabiri-Erewa linked these accomplishments to President Bola Tinubu's foreign policy framework, known as the 4Ds: Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora. She said the policy recognises Nigerians living abroad as important partners in the country's development.
Among those highlighted for their professional achievements are Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu in international cancer control, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar in epidemic preparedness, and Dr Bolu Ogunyemi in Canadian medical leadership. Others include Professor Christian Harrison in academic management, Ugwechi Amadi in corporate strategy, Dr Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim in specialised neurosurgery, and Ifeanyi Umunna in student leadership at Harvard Law School.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the achievements demonstrate why Nigeria should strengthen its engagement with professionals in the diaspora and create more opportunities to benefit from their knowledge, experience and international networks.
She explained that the four pillars of the president's foreign policy agenda reflect different ways Nigerians abroad can contribute to national progress. These include sharing professional expertise, supporting democratic institutions, investing in the country's development and connecting Nigeria to global opportunities.
The NiDCOM chief also called for stronger partnerships between Nigerian institutions and diaspora professionals, particularly in healthcare, education, scientific research, technology, entrepreneurship and public policy.
She emphasised the need for practical initiatives that would encourage knowledge sharing, mentorship, investment and cooperation between professionals abroad and organisations in Nigeria.
Dabiri-Erewa also urged young Nigerians to learn from the accomplishments of their compatriots on the international stage, stressing the importance of hard work, integrity, innovation and commitment to professional excellence.
She maintained that Nigeria could make greater development gains by building stronger connections with its citizens abroad and creating opportunities for their skills and experience to support national priorities.
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