- Tuggar Commends Dabiri-Erewa for Advancing Nigeria’s Global Image
- The Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda are Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora
- Dr. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has praised the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its outstanding role in fostering diaspora engagement, describing it as a vital pillar in advancing the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda; Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Tuggar gave the commendation during a visit to NiDCOM’s headquarters in Abuja, acknowledging the leadership of its Chairman/CEO, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for initiating and implementing innovative programmes that connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home while promoting the country’s image globally.
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He explained that the 4Ds agenda serves as a strategic plan to address Africa’s key challenges; strengthening democratic institutions, driving industrial growth for economic and food security, and harnessing demographic potential through targeted partnerships stressing the indispensable role of the diaspora in achieving these goals.
According to Tuggar, the Nigerian diaspora is central to this vision, not only as senders of remittances but also as investors, innovators, and ambassadors for the nation.
He called for continuous dialogue with Nigerians abroad to correct misconceptions, showcase progress, and inspire younger members of the diaspora to invest in the country, citing India’s “Neo India” initiative as a model.
The Minister also commended NiDCOM’s operational excellence, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response due to its strong collaboration with the Commission.
In her remarks, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s achievements, including National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the establishment of the National Diaspora Policy (due for review next year), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme, the Home and Abroad Housing platform, State Diaspora Focal Point Officers across all 36 states, Presidential Townhall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series.
She also noted diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy, and investments, while calling for the creation of more diaspora desks in government agencies, improved office facilities, and increased funding to sustain the Commission’s objectives.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa thanked the Minister for his prompt interventions during the Ghana and Central African Republic evacuations, which safeguarded Nigerians abroad and enhanced the country’s reputation.
Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM reaffirmed their commitment to making diaspora engagement a core part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.
