By Bavoriat Clara
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has described the Nigerian diaspora as a powerful driver of national growth a community of investors, innovators, and global ambassadors whose role goes far beyond sending remittances.
Speaking during a strategic working visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Headquarters in Abuja, Ambassador Tuggar hailed the Commission as a “critical pillar” in advancing the Federal Government’s 4Ds agenda Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.
He commended the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, for designing and executing groundbreaking programmes that link Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home, while projecting Nigeria’s image positively on the global stage.
According to the Minister, the 4Ds framework is a strategic blueprint aimed at addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges strengthening democratic institutions, driving industrial growth for economic and food security, and harnessing demographic potential through targeted partnerships.
He emphasised that NiDCOM’s work is indispensable to this vision.“The Nigerian diaspora is central to our national strategy,” Tuggar stated. “We must engage them to correct misconceptions, showcase our progress, and encourage the younger generation abroad to invest back home.”
He also cited India’s “Neo India” initiative as a model for proactive diaspora outreach that Nigeria could adapt to suit its own needs.
Ambassador Tuggar further praised NiDCOM’s operational efficiency, revealing that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries in rapid response an achievement he credited to the Ministry’s strong collaboration with NiDCOM.
In her remarks, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the Commission’s key initiatives, including the National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the National Diaspora Policy (scheduled for review in 2026), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, the Home and Abroad Housing Platform, the establishment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers across all 36 states, the Presidential Town Hall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series.She also cited diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy, and investments, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, improved work accommodation, and increased funding to sustain NiDCOM’s objectives.
Dabiri-Erewa thanked the Minister for his swift interventions during the evacuation of Nigerians from Ghana and the Central African Republic, noting that such timely actions have helped safeguard citizens abroad and bolster Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM reaffirmed their commitment to placing diaspora engagement at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
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