NIDCOM, USAID Partner on Diaspora Engagements

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has secured a strategic cooperation and collaboration with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID-NIGERIA), for diaspora engagements, particularly on youth empowerment, to deepen socio-economic development of the country.

A statement signed by Gabriel Odu of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit at NIDCOM, said USAID would also partner with NiDCOM on this year’s National Diaspora Day Celebrations .

The statement said these agreements were reached during a visit by USAID delegation to NiDCOM office in Abuja.

It said the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who welcomed the USAID delegation , led by Melissa Stones, Country Director, said that the collaboration was timely and appropriate as its content aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, which is intentional about sector reforms and youth empowerment.

Hon Dabiri-Erewa explained that the Commission serves as a vintage linkage encouraging Nigerian Diaspora to impactfully invest homewards.

The NiDCOM Chairman emphasised that though the Federal Government, through the Commission, had set up projects to effectively engage with its Diaspora, there was still a critical need to establish infrastructure and enabling environment for investments by Nigerians in Diaspora.

Dabiri-Erewa gave assurances that the partnership between NIDCOM and USAID was highly pivotal and key to massive Diaspora engagement and investment.

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (3rd right) and Melissa Stones (3rd from left) with Staff and Management of USAID and NIDCOM in Abuja.

“The Nigerian Diaspora is an important asset to our nation. Through this partnership with USAID Nigeria, we will be able to celebrate their achievements and present opportunities to invest back home”, she said.

Country Director, USAID, Melissa Jones stated that the US Agency is passionate about funding and empowerment of local partners and NGOs to develop talents, skills for economic progress in Nigeria.

She further proposed a planned and structured relation between NiDCOM and USAID for future projects, and discuss opportunities that will be beneficial to the public, and private sectors in Nigeria.

Jones noted that the Diaspora is needed for development in Nigeria. According to her, most qualified and competent professionals in the US, are Nigerians and she believes it will be an opportunity for Nigeria to relate strategically with its citizens abroad.

The USAID Country Director equally expressed its willingness to support the Commission through partnership at its Diaspora Day and other key events by engaging with US President’s Advisory Council to participate actively at the 2024 National Diaspora Day Celebrations.

There was a consensus for a strategic think-tank between NIDCOM and USAID to flesh up cooperation and collaborations, moving forward.