The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced plans to create a Diaspora Plaza, a dedicated space where Nigerians abroad can connect with government officials, explore investment opportunities, and engage more actively in national affairs. This was disclosed by NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during a budget defense session before the National Assembly’s Committees on Diaspora.

Dabiri-Erewa commended Nigerians overseas for their increasing investment in the country, stating that “the Nigerian diaspora is a formidable resource. With the right support, we can harness their potential to transform the country.” She added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has introduced critical reforms aimed at tackling insecurity, improving infrastructure, and making tough decisions to create a better Nigeria.

According to Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM has played a crucial role in amplifying the voices of Nigerians abroad and their role in nation-building, as well as fostering greater engagement in national development. She revealed that over 17 million Nigerians living abroad have remitted more than $90 billion to the country in the past five years, and attributed the significant influx of returnees in December 2024 to contributing over N60 billion to the economy.

“The remittances of over $90 billion in the last five years underscores the economic influence of the diaspora. Their contributions are invaluable, making them our number-one ambassadors globally. Today, Nigerians are widely respected, and many countries are keen to associate with them,” she stated.

The National Assembly commended NiDCOM’s achievements despite financial constraints, but expressed reservations about Nigeria’s preparedness for diaspora voting. Lawmakers urged President Tinubu to prioritize diaspora engagement, citing a strong interest among Nigerians abroad in participating in the political process.

“Many in the diaspora are eager to contribute to Nigeria’s democracy, including voting from abroad. This shows their deep connection to the country. We must encourage their involvement by facilitating investment opportunities,” one lawmaker stated.

However, concerns were raised about implementing diaspora voting without a robust and reliable electoral framework. The National Assembly pledged to support increased funding for NiDCOM, ensuring that the commission can continue its efforts in strengthening ties with Nigerians abroad and maximizing their contributions to national development.