The Joint National Assembly Committee on Diaspora Affairs has praised the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its remarkable performance, despite operating with limited resources.
The committee has pledged to push for increased funding and the establishment of a Diaspora Plaza to enhance the Commission's operations.
This commitment was made during the 2024 Budget Performance Review and the presentation of the 2025 Budget Proposal by NiDCOM’s Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
Senator Victor Umeh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and NGOs, presided over the session, highlighting the significant disparity between NiDCOM’s 2024 and 2025 proposed budgets. He emphasized the importance of enhanced financial support and infrastructure for the Commission, which plays a vital role in Nigeria’s national development.
Senator Umeh also commended Dabiri-Erewa’s prudent leadership, noting her efforts in boosting diaspora engagement despite financial constraints. He pointed to the rise in diaspora remittances and investments as evidence of the Commission’s impact.
Other members of the Joint Committee, including Senators Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, Ibrahim Dakwambo, and Hon. Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe, discussed critical issues such as diaspora data mapping, external funding sources, and conflicts within Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters.
The lawmakers unanimously agreed that NiDCOM is underfunded and resolved to advocate for increased budgetary allocation to enable the Commission to fulfill its mandate.
During her presentation, Dabiri-Erewa revealed that NiDCOM achieved a 99% execution rate for its ₦263.1 million budget in 2024, despite receiving no capital releases from the Office of the Accountant-General. For 2025, the proposed budget includes ₦363.9 million for salaries, ₦377 million for overhead costs, and ₦541 million for personnel expenses.
She outlined NiDCOM’s 2025 strategic plans, which include enhancing diaspora engagement, increasing personnel capacity, and developing infrastructure to support investments and welfare programs. Dabiri-Erewa also reiterated the urgent need for a Diaspora Plaza, describing it as a vital hub for both the Commission and visiting Nigerians abroad.
On external funding, she disclosed that the Commission relies on sponsorships and partnerships, as it currently does not receive external grants. She also emphasized the importance of diaspora data mapping, which would be significantly improved with a dedicated physical structure.
Addressing conflicts within NIDO chapters, Dabiri-Erewa urged members to prioritize unity, stressing that internal disputes hinder progress. She called on the National Assembly committees to intervene where necessary.
In her closing remarks, the NiDCOM Chairman expressed gratitude for the Committee’s unwavering support and reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to delivering on its mandate.
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