By Bavoriat Clara
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. (Dr) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has lauded the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) for its unwavering support in promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration in Nigeria.
She gave the commendation while receiving the Head of Mission of ICMPD in Nigeria, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber, during a courtesy visit to NiDCOM Headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement issued by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of the Commission, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa described ICMPD as a long-standing, strategic partner that has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s migration governance and deepening diaspora engagement since the establishment of NiDCOM.
The NiDCOM boss noted that the meeting was both timely and purposeful, coming at a period when the need to combat irregular migration and tap more effectively into the strength of the Nigerian diaspora has become a national imperative.
“Despite repeated warnings and awareness campaigns, many still embark on perilous journeys in pursuit of uncertain futures. Just this year alone, over 6,000 Nigerians have been repatriated through efforts coordinated by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI),” she revealed.
She emphasized that such staggering numbers highlight the urgency of offering safe alternatives and scaling up collaborative action. “These figures reflect why we must work even harder to discourage irregular migration and offer more viable alternatives,” she stressed.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa reiterated the importance of developing structured migration frameworks, implementing comprehensive diaspora policies, and strengthening international partnerships to address the root causes of unsafe migration. She also presented a copy of the Commission’s Voluntary Assets and Skills Placement for Returnees (VASP-R) policy to the ICMPD team, noting that the framework is currently under review to enhance its scope and impact.
In her response, Ms. Isabelle Wolfsgruber praised NiDCOM’s commitment to diaspora affairs and applauded the Commission’s visionary leadership in championing innovative migration solutions.
“You delivered such a powerful intervention at the last diaspora summit, clearly showing that the value of Nigerian remittances goes far beyond money. The intellectual, social, and structural capital from Nigerians abroad is where true transformative power lies,” Wolfsgruber said.
She reaffirmed ICMPD’s dedication to working with donors and development partners to align their resources and initiatives with NiDCOM’s strategic goals.
“This is not just about who funds what, but how we make the system self-sustaining. The Nigerian diaspora is a powerful force for development, and ICMPD is proud to walk this journey with NiDCOM,” she concluded.
The meeting reaffirmed the shared commitment of both organizations to building a migration ecosystem that not only protects Nigerian citizens but also harnesses the full potential of its vibrant global diaspora.
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