Dambazau Seeks NiDCOM Partnership Ahead of China Posting
Oru Leonard
Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to China, Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazzau, has paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja, seeking stronger collaboration to protect the interests of Nigerians living in China.
Speaking during the visit at the NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, Dambazzau described Nigeria-China relations as longstanding and strategic, dating back to 1971, noting that both countries have continued to deepen cooperation across critical sectors.
The ambassador-designate said Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from its relationship with China in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, environment, human capital development, and security.
He referenced President Bola Tinubu’s 2024 state visit to China, where both nations reaffirmed commitments to stronger bilateral ties, including support for Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and adherence to the One-China Policy.
Drawing from his security background, Dambazzau stressed the importance of leveraging the partnership with China for technical support, security cooperation, and procurement of equipment to strengthen Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.
He also emphasized the need to work closely with NiDCOM and other relevant institutions to ensure adequate protection and guidance for Nigerians residing in China, especially those involved in trade and commerce.
According to him, engaging diaspora communities and maintaining proper data on Nigerians abroad would help address challenges involving immigration, legal issues, and welfare concerns.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa congratulated Dambazzau on his appointment and expressed confidence in his capacity to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic and diaspora engagements in China.
She noted that while many Nigerians in China are making positive contributions in business and commerce, there are also challenges involving immigration, trade disputes, and legal matters affecting some citizens.
The NiDCOM boss called for stronger collaboration between the commission and the Nigerian mission in China, especially in the area of diaspora data management and citizen engagement.
Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerians in China to register with relevant Nigerian authorities abroad to make it easier to provide assistance during emergencies or crises.
She also invited the ambassador-designate to participate virtually in future diaspora engagement programmes organised by the commission.
