The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for its exceptional work in promoting diaspora engagement, describing it as a critical pillar in the implementation of the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda (Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora).

Amb. Tuggar gave the commendation at a strategic working visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja.

The minister lauded the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO, NiDCOM for designing and executing innovative programmes that not only connect Nigerians abroad with opportunities at home but also project Nigeria’s image positively on the global stage.

According to him, the 4Ds framework is a strategic blueprint to address Africa’s pressing challenges: from strengthening democratic institutions, driving industrial growth for economic and food security, to harnessing demographic potential through targeted partnerships, which he recognises the indispensable role of NiDCOM.

Tuggar emphasised that the Nigerian diaspora is central to this vision, not just as remitters, but as investors, innovators and global ambassadors for Nigeria.

He highlighted the need for constructive dialogue with all Nigerians in the diaspora, to correct misconceptions and showcase progress, as well as, encourage younger Nigerian diasporas to invest homewards; citing India’s “Neo India” initiative as a model for proactive diaspora outreach.

Tuggar further praised NiDCOM for its operational skills, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs now ranks first among federal ministries for rapid response, thanks to the cordial collaboration with NiDCOM.

The Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, outlined NiDCOM’s achievements, including the National Diaspora Day and National Diaspora Merit Awards, the establishment of the National Diaspora Policy (set for review next year), the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, Diaspora Housing Mortgage, the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing platform, the creation of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) across all 36 states in Nigeria, Presidential Townhall Meetings, the Badagry Door of Return Festival, the Homestrings Initiative, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, and the Quarterly Lecture Series, among others as mechanisms to have an effective diaspora engagement.

She also cited diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy and investments, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, a standard work accommodation and increased funding to sustain its objectives.

The NiDCOM boss thanked the Minister, for swift interventions during the Ghana and the Central African Republic evacuations, which have helped protect Nigerians in the diaspora and boost the country’s image.

Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM agreed to place diaspora engagement at the heart of the Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s long-term development strategy.