Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM),Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to enhancing collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on issues related to migration and the diaspora.
She made this commitment during a meeting with the acting Chief of Mission at the IOM, Ms. Paola Pace, held in Abuja.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by Mr. Gabriel Idu, and released on Friday.
Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to the IOM for its ongoing support, particularly in developing and implementing the national diaspora policy.
She emphasized the policy’s importance in effectively engaging the Nigerian diaspora in national development, and mentioned plans for its review to ensure it remains relevant and impactful.
Additionally, she praised the IOM for helping the federal government evacuate stranded Nigerians abroad, especially from Libya.
Dabiri-Erewa advocated for the resumption of the short-term return programme, which has historically fostered the exchange of knowledge exchange between Nigerian professionals in the country, and those in the diaspora, promoting brain circulation, instead of brain drain.
She also described the IOM’s governors’ project, as a positive initiative that aligns with NiDCOM’s ongoing efforts to work with state governors through the appointment of state diaspora focal point officers, across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Furthermore, she called for capacity-building initiatives for NiDCOM staff, to enhance their skills and efficiency in managing diaspora affairs.
Ms. Pace commended NiDCOM for its proactive engagement with the Nigerian diaspora, highlighting their contributions in various fields.
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She underscored the importance of continued collaboration to address the challenges of irregular migration, among Nigerian youth.
Pace highlighted ongoing IOM initiatives, including working with notable Nigerian diaspora members as ambassadors, reintroducing the short-term return programme, conducting sensitization and advocacy workshops on the dangers of irregular migration, and engaging state governors through stakeholder meetings.
The acting chief of mission also noted that IOM has been collaborating with key government organizations, including the Federal Ministry of Labour, and international partners to discuss policies, and create seamless pathways for labour mobility.
Additionally, Pace emphasized the need for joint efforts to address the challenges faced by migrants, and the Nigerian diaspora, particularly in providing mental health rehabilitation and support services.
Both parties expressed their commitment to a strong and productive partnership, sharing the goal of harnessing the Nigerian diaspora’s potential for the development of the country.
