NiDCOM Unveils Plans for 2025 National Diaspora Day and Merit Awards in Abuja… To Launch Diaspora Housing Platform
Maryam Aminu
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has officially unveiled plans for the 2025 National Diaspora Day (NDD) and the 3rd edition of the National Diaspora Merit Awards (NDMA), set to take place from July 25–26 at the State Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking at a press conference held at NiDCOM headquarters, the Chairman/CEO, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, emphasized the significance of this year’s theme: “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth.”
She described the theme as a national imperative, urging stakeholders to move beyond rhetoric to strategic action in engaging Nigeria’s over 20 million-strong diaspora population.
“From medicine to education, technology to tourism, business to governance, our diaspora continues to influence global conversations and spearhead innovation,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “They are among Nigeria’s greatest exports, yet one of our most underutilised assets.”
In 2024 alone, remittances from the Nigerian diaspora surpassed $20 billion exceeding foreign direct investment further underscoring the diaspora’s economic importance. But beyond remittances, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the critical need to tap into their intellectual capital, networks, and goodwill to catalyse development across Nigeria.
She noted that progress has already been made through the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers and various initiatives such as the National Diaspora Policy, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Data Mapping Project. These frameworks, she said, have moved diaspora engagement from “theoretical to practical.”
This year’s celebration will be a hybrid event, featuring both physical and virtual participation from global cities including Lagos, London, Los Angeles, Lyon, Longjing, and Lisbon. It will include thematic discussions, strategic dialogues, youth mentorship programmes, cultural showcases, and the highly anticipated National Diaspora Merit Awards recognising outstanding Nigerians abroad for their patriotism, innovation, and contributions to national development.
A major highlight will be the launch of the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, aimed at empowering Nigerians abroad to participate in wealth creation and national housing development.
Registration is now open via www.nidcom.gov.ng/diasporaday, and interested participants are encouraged to join either virtually or in person.
Hon. Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his unwavering support, as well as to government agencies, private sector stakeholders, and the media for their continued partnership.
“Let this event be remembered not merely for its banners and accolades, but for the bridges it builds and the futures it unlocks,” she concluded.
