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NiDCOM, NPC Partner to Reconnect African Diaspora Descendants with Nigerian Roots


In a landmark move to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the global African diaspora, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the National Population Commission (NPC) have announced a strategic collaboration to document descendants of the Historic African Diaspora (HAD) with ancestral ties to Nigeria.

At a high-level meeting in Abuja, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa emphasized the significance of the initiative, noting that it aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes diaspora engagement for national development. She highlighted the project’s role in tracing ancestral origins, celebrating shared heritage, and fostering economic and cultural reintegration.

Dabiri-Erewa also revealed that advanced data mapping techniques would be deployed to analyze the growing community of African diaspora descendants seeking to reconnect with Nigeria. She encouraged the African Ancestry Reunion delegation to view Nigeria as their home, invest in its development, and participate in the annual Badagry Door of Return Festival—a transformative cultural and spiritual experience.



Hon. Nasir Isa Kwarra, Chairman of NPC, reaffirmed his commitment to the initiative, announcing plans to develop census modules specifically for HAD descendants with Nigerian ancestry. He assured that NPC would issue authentic certificates and legal frameworks to formalize their status as Nigerians.


Dr. Gina Paige, Co-founder and President of African Ancestry, shared her passion for helping African descendants reconnect with their roots—a mission she has pursued for nearly 22 years. Representing a 15-member delegation, she urged Nigerian authorities to provide legal documents such as birth certificates and passports for those seeking to establish deeper ties with their ancestral homeland.


Beyond ancestry tracing, Paige noted that many African diaspora descendants are eager to not only visit but also settle and invest in Nigeria.


Folio Group Chairman and Daily Times publisher, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, praised the NiDCOM-NPC collaboration as a visionary step toward reshaping global narratives about Nigeria. He emphasized the power of data-driven storytelling in highlighting the nation’s rich history and achievements, referencing his forthcoming publication, The Nigerian Grand Book: Magnum Opus.



This initiative is expected to open new doors for diaspora engagement, fostering stronger historical, cultural, and economic ties between Nigeria and its global descendants.



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