The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians both at home and abroad to collaborate with the federal government to support its efforts toward achieving sustainable national development.
The appeal was made by the Chairman of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during her pre-convocation lecture at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). The lecture, titled “Diaspora Engagements for National Development,” focused on the critical role Nigerians abroad can play in the country’s progress.
In her address, Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the involvement of Nigerians in the diaspora is essential to addressing the country’s development challenges. “No foreigner would do such for the country if her own people refuse to rise to her developmental challenges,” she said.
According to her, the global exposure and expertise of Nigerians living abroad can serve as a powerful tool for national development. “The global exposure of Nigerians in the diaspora can be leveraged as a catalyst for national development. This is achievable, and NiDCOM is set to actualise this,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa suggested that universities, like ABUAD, could collaborate with Nigerians in the diaspora by implementing staff and student exchange programmes and engaging in collaborative research aimed at solving global challenges.
She also proposed sabbaticals for Nigerian diaspora lecturers as a way to foster collaboration.
She highlighted some of the challenges NiDCOM faces, including insufficient funding due to limited budgetary allocations, the lack of adequate accommodation for the commission’s staff, and the significant trust deficit between Nigerians abroad and the government.
Afe Babalola (SAN), the founder of the university, praised Dabiri-Erewa for her dedication and contributions, describing her as a brilliant young Nigerian who has earned her place among the nation’s greats. “It may not be easy, but we will go far and fast if we all unite with a single purpose to develop Nigeria,” Babalola said.
