By Gloria Ikibah
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has said that Nigerians in the diaspora have continued to play vital roles in shaping the Nigerian economy, bringing also social and diplomatic progress.
Speaker Abbas stated this at was at the First Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025), organised by the House Committee on Diaspora on Monday in Abuja.
The Committee aldo launched the “NiDRes Application and Website” aimed at solving Diaspora communication challenges.
The Speaker who was represented by Rep. Patrick Umoh, said that Nigerians in the diaspora have distinguished themselves in various fields of endeavors, and this extends across many industries in their countries of residence.
He said: “The 10th House considers Diaspora engagement as a national priority, one that must translate into structured policies that strengthen our democracy and national unity.
“The 10th House of Representatives maintains a strong and cooperative relationship with the Executive, guided by a shared commitment to advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen Diaspora engagement and enhance the welfare of Nigerians abroad. The House of Representatives recognises the vital and irreplaceable role Nigerians abroad play in building the nation’s image and sustaining its economy. Their extensive knowledge, professional experience, and global networks have continued to project Nigeria as a country of excellence, creativity, and enterprise.
“Beyond remittances, their involvement in innovation, trade, diplomacy, and humanitarian causes has reinforced the country’s reputation as a contributor to global development. Their hard work and achievements remain powerful reminders that wherever a Nigerian succeeds, the image of the nation grows stronger. The 10th House of Representatives remains committed to promoting a stronger, well-coordinated, and more structured relationship with the Nigerian Diaspora community.
“These citizens have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to national development through their remittances, philanthropy, and knowledge transfer. Their contributions in education, health, technology, and entrepreneurship have become integral to Nigeria’s economic and social advancement. The House therefore views diaspora engagement not as a ceremonial connection, but as a vital element of inclusion, proper governance, and sustainable growth for the country’s future.
“Legislative efforts are currently being reinforced to simplify consular immigration and documentation procedures to ensure that Nigerians living overseas have easier and faster access to the support and services they require from government missions. This includes improvements in passport processing from government missions, emergency consular responses, and digital access to official services. The House seeks to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that often frustrate Nigerians abroad, replacing them with systems that reflect transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in line with modern public service standards”.
Abbas reiterated that the House will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Diaspora Commission NIFCOM to safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad and ensure that their concerns receive timely and effective attention.
“As we look ahead, the House of Representatives renews its dedication to strengthening the bond between Nigeria and its diaspora compatriots. I once again commend the organisers of this event for their foresight and their consistent advocacy in ensuring that the voice of Nigerians in the diaspora remains an essential part of our country’s journey toward progress and unity.
“On this note, and in recognition of the strong partnership between the executive and the 10th House of Representatives in advancing diaspora affairs, I now have the pleasure to declare the Nigerian Stakeholders’ Engagement on Diaspora Governance 2025 open”, he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, Rep. Tochukwu Okere, stated that the First, Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025) is about bringing together policies, institutions, and technology to create a unified approach to diaspora governance.
According to him, the initiative hopes to align laws, government actions, and state-level efforts for better coordination on diaspora matters.
“Easier acvess to consular help, emergency aid, and welfare services for Nigerians living abroad. – Using reliable, privacy-protected data to guide planning, protection, and programs. Stronger ways to attract investments, share skills, foster innovation, and connect small businesses. Improved miles for managing migration, fighting trafficking, and providing legal safeguards. Reliable ways for government, diaspora groups, and partners to communicate and collaborate”, he said.
The Chairman, also explained that the launch the Nigerians in Diaspora Response App/Web (NiDRes) NiDRes was the House new tool to make it simpler for the government to connect with and support Nigerians abroad.
“It offers exciting features like: – Real-time reporting of incidents and a helpdesk for emergencies, consular needs, or welfare issues. Clear tracking of cases, with timelines for updates and resolutions, visible to users, agencies, and missions. Secure profiles that verify identities, allow controlled data sharing, and prioritize privacy from the start. A handy directory of services: embassy contacts, legal help, shelters, emergency numbers, and referrals by location. Easy sign-ups for volunteering, skill-sharing, knowledge exchanges, and mentoring programs. A board for investments and opportunities: vetted projects, diaspora bonds, and protections against scams. Timely updates: Travel tips, policy news, and community alerts. Access anytime, anywhere: Via web, mobile app, or integrated with embassy help desks for everyone to use. Right after the NiDRes launch, we’ll open channels for feedback and better testing to help refine it”, he added.
He theregore called on stakeholders to suggest practical solutions to the challenges Nigerians face and share experiences, success stories, and ideas that can be scaled up.
Also giving her address, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said that regular conversations will deepen diaspora engagement.
According to her, with the collaboration th diaspora will no longer be ignored.
“But most importantly is the launching of the App, which will improve communication with the diaspora. What we do is still try on a way to communicate. But, with this App being put together by the House which will be given to us to run, it will be easier to deal with issues”, Dabiri-Erewa said.
On the issue of diaspora voting, Hon. Dabiri-Erewa said the commission has opened a data portal which will make diaspora voting easier.
“So, we want to ensure that beyond remittances are a catalyst for a holistic growth in Nigeria. We are talking about seventeen million Nigerians in the diaspora. A diaspora is somebody who is legally resident in any country, you pay your tax and you have an address. That will be defined. It’s not just everybody that will vote. A diaspora is clearly defined”, she clarified.
Stakeholders contributed meaningfully on diaspora voting, legislative, executive partnership amongst others.
