Diaspora Nigerians Are National Assets, Not Consular Burdens — Enikanolaiye
The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening engagement with Nigerians in the Diaspora, declaring that citizens living abroad should be regarded as valuable partners in national development rather than as consular liabilities.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, made the declaration while receiving the Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Commission’s top management team on a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye said Nigerians across the world continue to distinguish themselves in diverse fields, stressing that the country’s global image should not be defined by the actions of a few individuals responsible for negative media narratives.
He commended NiDCOM for its achievements despite operational challenges, noting that the Commission has successfully filled the institutional gap that existed before its establishment and has justified the Federal Government’s decision to create the agency.
The Minister also praised Dabiri-Erewa for her resilience and dedication, saying her leadership has continued to project Nigerians in the Diaspora positively while promoting the use of their skills, expertise and resources for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to collaboration, Enikanolaiye said it would continue to work closely with NiDCOM in advancing the Federal Government’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further proposed strategic engagement with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to strengthen cooperation between state governments and Nigerians in the Diaspora, with the aim of accelerating development initiatives across the country.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa congratulated the Minister on his appointment and highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements since its establishment, while drawing attention to challenges including inadequate funding and the need for a permanent office complex.
She noted that the Commission has consistently enjoyed a productive working relationship with successive Ministers of State for Foreign Affairs and reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to deepening diaspora engagement in partnership with the Ministry.
The NiDCOM boss also expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s sustained support, emphasizing that stronger collaboration would further promote the interests of Nigerians abroad and enhance their contributions to national development.
