Nigeria to adopt policies to support the Diaspora

The Nigerian Government is working toward adopting policies aimed at supporting its citizens in the Diaspora.

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, represented by the Head, Media and Communication in the Commission, Mr Abdurrahama Balogun,said this at the Maiden Migration Summit of Journalists International Forum for Migration, JIFORM,  in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking on “Migration : The Economy, Human Security and Diaspora Value”, she said one of the policies was the proposed Presidential Initiative for Diaspora Excellence, PRIDE, which will open opportunities for diaspora participation in critical sectors for the development of the nation.

According to her, the Government is also working to Adopt the Presidential Initiative for Medical Excellence, PRIME, which aimed at establishing medical centers in Nigeria and to leverage on the expertise of Nigerian Healthcare Professionals abroad, in the delivery of quality healthcare services in the country.

“Undoubtedly, Nigeria in the Diaspora, according to the World Bank record has remitted back to the country annually over $22 billion dollars, the highest in Africa and the third in the world after China and India. This is to show that Nigerians living abroad have been contributing greatly to the economic development and growth not only in Nigeria, but in the Africa continent” She said.

She however, noted that though remittances have strong impact on development, both at the macro and micro- level, especially as it has a multiplier effect on consumption, investment and economic growth, there’s need to ensure that they are being utilized in ways that are beneficial to the economy.

“remittances can be deployed toward philanthropic activities which can serve as solutions for specific deficiencies in the local infrastructure, such as schools, hospital, roads and agricultural development.” She added.

(NIDCOM)