NiDCOM, IOM DEEPEN PARTNERSHIP ON MIGRATION AND DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on migration and diaspora-related issues.

She gave this assurance at a strategic meeting with Ms. Paola Pace, Acting Chief of Mission, IOM in her office in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to IOM for its continued support, particularly in the development and implementation of the National Diaspora Policy. She stressed the significance of the policy in effectively engaging the Nigerian diaspora in national development and noted plans for its review to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.

She also commended IOM for its assistance to the Federal Government in evacuating stranded Nigerians abroad, particularly from Libya.

Furthermore, she advocated resumption of the 'short-term return programme', which had overtime encouraged knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals at home and those in the diaspora, thereby fostering "brain circulation" rather than brain drain.

The NiDCOM Chairman described IOM’s Governors' Project as a welcome initiative, aligning with NiDCOM’s ongoing collaboration with Governors through appointment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across the 36 states and the FCT.

Dabiri-Erewa also called for capacity-building for NiDCOM staff to enhance their skills and efficiency in managing diaspora affairs.

In her remarks, Ms. Pace commended the Commission for its proactive engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, noting their outstanding contributions across various fields.

She underscored the importance of continued collaboration in addressing the challenges of irregular migration among Nigerian youth.

Pace highlighted IOM’s ongoing initiatives, including working with prominent Nigerian diasporas as ambassadors, reintroducing the short-term return programme, conducting sensitisation and advocacy workshops on the dangers of irregular migration, and engaging state Governors through stakeholder meetings.

The Acting Chief of Mission further disclosed that IOM has been working closely with key government organisations, including the Ministry of Labour, as well as international counterparts, to discuss policies and create seamless pathways for labour mobility.

Additionally, Pace raised the need for joint efforts to tackle challenges faced by migrants and the Nigerian diaspora, particularly in providing mental health rehabilitation and support services.

Both parties assured their commitment towards a strong and productive partnership, with the shared goal of leveraging the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for the country's development.