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- Unveil New Framework for Inclusive Diaspora Participation
- Launch NiDRes App for Nigerians Abroad
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has disclosed that the National Assembly is advancing legislative plans for the Diaspora Voting Bill, which seeks to grant Nigerians living abroad the constitutional right to vote in national elections.
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Eko Hot Blog reports that Abbas made this known on Monday during the Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025) and the launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) App and Website, held in Abuja. The event was organised by the House Committee on Diaspora in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Represented by Hon. Patrick Umoh (Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency), the Speaker described the proposed Diaspora Voting Bill as “a major step towards extending democratic participation to all citizens and ensuring that every Nigerian voice is heard in nation-building.
He emphasized that the 10th House of Representatives views diaspora engagement as a national priority, consistent with its legislative agenda of inclusion, accountability, and economic reforms.
Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, explained that the NiSEDiG 2025 initiative aims to create a unified policy framework that integrates institutions, legislation, and technology to improve diaspora governance.
According to him, the newly launched NiDRes App and Website will enable Nigerians abroad to access government services more easily and communicate with Nigerian missions worldwide.
In her keynote address, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, highlighted the progress recorded in diaspora engagement since the Commission’s creation six years ago.
She noted that the Nigeria–Diaspora relationship has yielded significant impact across various sectors including health, education, agriculture, ICT, and volunteerism.
“We have now entered a new phase of consolidating diaspora engagement to boost national development,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
She recalled that the National Diaspora Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on April 28, 2021, provides a framework for facilitating diaspora participation in national development. She also cited the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, launched in June 2021, as a tool aiding data-driven decision-making.
Dabiri-Erewa further noted that diaspora remittances remain Nigeria’s largest source of foreign exchange, totaling US$23.81 billion in 2019, equivalent to about six percent of the nation’s GDP.
She listed several key NiDCOM initiatives, including National Diaspora Day (July 25), the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), National Town Hall Meetings between the President and diaspora communities, and the National Diaspora Merit Awards, which recognise outstanding Nigerians abroad.
Others include the Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series and collaborations with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs to support distressed Nigerians abroad.
While commending the progress made, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted persistent challenges such as limited funding, inadequate office accommodation, and the need to amend the NiDCOM Act to establish a sustainable funding mechanism from diaspora remittance charges.
The NiSEDiG 2025 initiative and the NiDRes App launch, stakeholders agreed, mark a renewed national commitment to building a stronger, structured, and inclusive diaspora engagement ecosystem.
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