The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration on migration and diaspora-related initiatives.
At a strategic meeting in Abuja, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, emphasized the Commission’s dedication to working closely with IOM to advance policies and programs that effectively engage the Nigerian diaspora. She particularly lauded IOM’s role in developing and implementing the National Diaspora Policy, highlighting plans for its review to ensure its continued relevance.
Dabiri-Erewa also commended IOM’s efforts in assisting the Federal Government with the evacuation of stranded Nigerians abroad, especially from Libya. She further advocated for the resumption of the short-term return programme, which facilitates knowledge exchange between diaspora professionals and their counterparts in Nigeria, promoting "brain circulation" instead of brain drain.
Additionally, she welcomed IOM’s Governors' Project, which aligns with NiDCOM’s engagement strategy through the appointment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across all 36 states and the FCT. She also called for enhanced capacity-building programs for NiDCOM staff to improve their efficiency in managing diaspora affairs.
Ms. Paola Pace, Acting Chief of Mission of IOM, praised NiDCOM for its proactive engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, noting their immense contributions across various sectors. She stressed the need for continued collaboration to address the challenges of irregular migration among Nigerian youth and highlighted ongoing IOM initiatives, including:
Reintroducing the short-term return programme to leverage diaspora expertise
Conducting sensitization and advocacy campaigns on the risks of irregular migration.
Engaging Nigerian Governors through stakeholder meetings to strengthen migration management at the state level.
Pace further disclosed that IOM is actively working with the Ministry of Labour and international stakeholders to establish smoother pathways for labour mobility. She also emphasized the importance of mental health rehabilitation and support services for migrants and returnees.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to a productive partnership, aimed at harnessing the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for national development.
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