The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs has assured the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission that it will push for improved budgetary allocation to the agency in the next fiscal year to strengthen its engagement with Nigerians living abroad.
Tochukwu Chinedu, Chairman of the committee, gave the assurance on Thursday during an oversight visit by members of the committee to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the commission, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
Chikere commended Dabiri-Erewa for what he described as impactful leadership since the establishment of the commission, noting that the agency had recorded significant achievements over the past seven years despite operating with limited financial resources.
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He stressed the need for increased funding to enable the commission to expand its operations and improve engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to him, diaspora affairs require extensive international outreach, which cannot be effectively handled without adequate financial support.
“You cannot head diaspora affairs and remain in Nigeria alone. You need to travel outside to engage directly with Nigerians abroad,” Chikere said.
The lawmaker added that the commission had demonstrated commitment and energy in building connections with Nigerians overseas, and therefore deserves stronger institutional backing.
He also advocated the construction of a befitting Diaspora Plaza to serve as a permanent facility for the commission and enhance its operational effectiveness.
In her response, Dabiri-Erewa expressed appreciation to the committee for its continued support and oversight, reiterating the importance of stronger funding to enable the commission fully deliver on its mandate.
She highlighted several ongoing and upcoming initiatives of the commission aimed at strengthening diaspora engagement and investment in Nigeria.
Among them is the review of the National Diaspora Policy in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as well as preparations for the National Diaspora Day scheduled for July 25, which this year will focus on Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Other programmes outlined by the NiDCOM boss include the Diaspora Merit Awards, the upgraded Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, and a meeting of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers to be hosted by the Edo State Government on April 12 and 13, 2026.
She also announced that the Global Nigerian Diaspora Investment and Innovation Summit would take place in August in Toronto, Canada, bringing together diaspora investors, innovators and policymakers to explore opportunities for economic collaboration.
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Dabiri-Erewa further appealed to the committee to encourage the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to enforce stricter regulations against fraudulent recruitment agents who lure Nigerians abroad with deceptive work visa offers.
According to her, many Nigerians seeking employment overseas have fallen victim to scams, making stronger oversight and enforcement necessary to protect citizens.
The oversight visit also featured an inspection of the commission’s office facilities and surrounding infrastructure within the Federal Secretariat Complex, as well as its annex building located in Garki, Abuja.
