The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Ms. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, announced that Nigerians living abroad contributed approximately N60 billion to the economy during their visits to Nigeria in December 2024. This statement was made during the budget defense session for 2025 held before the National Assembly Joint Committee on Diaspora in Abuja. Dabiri-Erewa credited the noteworthy spending by the diaspora during the festive period to the sustained engagement initiatives by NIDCOM.
“This December, we recorded not less than N60 billion in what was spent by Nigerians returning home. This figure could potentially increase, but it is just touching the surface,” she remarked. Furthermore, she pointed out that the remittances sent by Nigerians living overseas over the past five years have surpassed $90 billion.
“We have about 17 million Nigerians living abroad. The economic impact of their remittances has been significant, exceeding $90 billion in the last five years,” she explained.
NiDCOM Propose for a Diaspora Plaza
To further strengthen connections with the diaspora, Dabiri-Erewa proposed the creation of a Diaspora Plaza. This facility would act as a central hub for Nigerians abroad to explore opportunities within Nigeria and engage with government representatives.
“It will facilitate interaction and provide information about available opportunities in the country,” she added.
She also mentioned ongoing negotiations with the National Assembly Committee on Diaspora aimed at securing innovative funding strategies to enhance the financial resources of NIDCOM.
Diaspora Voting Concerns
When discussing the possibility of allowing Nigerians abroad to vote, Sen. Victor Umeh, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora, voiced concerns regarding Nigeria’s readiness for such a system. He emphasized the importance of first addressing existing challenges within the domestic electoral framework.
“We have to confront reality; we need to be properly organized before enabling voting from outside the country. We should ensure that our elections at home are administered well prior to integrating diaspora voting. If we proceed without dependable data, the integrity of our elections could be compromised, resulting in potential disputes,” he cautioned.
Call for Increased Funding for NIDCOM
Umeh also highlighted the necessity for enhanced funding for NIDCOM, pointing to its crucial role in engaging with the diaspora community. “The financial provisions in the 2024 appropriation were inadequate. The National Assembly made significant efforts to improve their budget. This year, having observed their activities under challenging conditions last year, we are committed to advocating for increased funding and urging the President to pay particular attention to the diaspora,” he stated.
Dabiri-Erewa underscored the substantial economic influence of Nigerians living overseas. “We have reached a pivotal moment where, over the past five years, it has become evident that the diaspora is a formidable force and a resource we cannot overlook. They are our nation’s foremost ambassadors and can help us reshape the perception of our country.
“Globally, there is a growing interest in having Nigerians as friends. Let’s capitalize on this opportunity. We have the potential to make a significant impact on the world,” she asserted. Additionally, she commended President Bola Tinubu’s reforms and expressed optimism regarding their potential to enhance the nation’s prospects.
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