- NiDCOM, Turkey Explore Partnership to Strengthen Diaspora Relations
- Poroy commended NiDCOM for its work in collecting demographic data
- Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for improved media representation to showcase the positive impact of Nigerians in the diaspora
The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Memmet Poroy, has proposed a collaborative partnership between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and Turkey’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, the country’s agency for its diaspora.
He shared this during a strategic meeting with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and CEO of NiDCOM, in Abuja.
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The newly appointed Ambassador noted that the Turkish diaspora numbers around 7.5 million, with 6.5 million living in Europe and significant communities in the United States.
He highlighted the active participation of Turks abroad in local politics and their attainment of key political positions across Europe.
Poroy expressed interest in learning more about the Nigerian diaspora, pointing out similarities with the Turkish diaspora while acknowledging the difficulty of obtaining precise figures.
He commended NiDCOM for its work in collecting demographic data through the diaspora portal, adding that this could serve as a model to strengthen Turkey’s diaspora relations.
Welcoming the Ambassador, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the parallels between the Nigerian and Turkish diaspora experiences.
She emphasized the importance of the new NiDCOM Diaspora Registration Portal, designed to register Nigerians abroad and enhance communication, support, and policy planning.
She also outlined NiDCOM’s flagship initiatives, including the Diaspora Investment Summit, National Diaspora Day, and Diaspora Merit Awards, which celebrate success stories and encourage Nigerians abroad to contribute to national development.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for improved media representation to showcase the positive impact of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Addressing challenges faced by Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus, Dabiri-Erewa called for urgent interventions, while the Ambassador suggested involving the Embassy of Northern Cyprus in Turkey and pledged to facilitate further dialogue.
Both parties expressed keen interest in deepening collaboration and learning from each other’s diaspora policies.
The Ambassador affirmed Turkey’s readiness to host a Nigerian delegation for future discussions.
The meeting concluded with Dabiri-Erewa presenting the Ambassador with Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy and a program booklet from the previous National Diaspora Day and Merit Awards.
