Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kehinde Akintola
Published on 2024-02-29 20:07:24
The House of Representatives has raised concerns over the continued delay in constituting the Governing Board of the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) since its establishment seven years ago. Members of the House expressed their displeasure on Thursday and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take immediate action in constituting the Board to address the needs of millions of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The lawmakers highlighted the significant contributions made by Nigerians living abroad, who remit over $20 billion into the country according to a World Bank report. They emphasized the importance of having a Governing Board in place to oversee the general administration of the Commission, as mandated by the Nigerians in Diaspora Establishment Act, 2017.
In response to the complaints and challenges faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission Act in 2017. The purpose of the Commission is to engage Nigerians living abroad in policies, projects, and the overall development of Nigeria, utilizing their human and material resources for socio-economic, cultural, and political advancement.
The House acknowledged the vast diaspora population of Nigeria, spread across continents and playing a crucial role in the country’s economic growth and development. With Nigeria being the highest remittance-recipient country in Sub-Saharan Africa, the House recognized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora through the establishment of NIDCOM.
Despite the significant contributions made by Nigerians in the Diaspora, the House expressed concerns over the worsening challenges faced by individuals living abroad due to the delayed constitution of the NIDCOM Board. They emphasized the need for the Board to be constituted promptly to enable the Commission to effectively address the welfare and concerns of Nigerians living abroad.
The House called upon President Tinubu to adhere to the provisions of the NIDCOM Establishment Act, 2017, and constitute the Board without further delay. They also urged the President to inaugurate the Board after confirmation and charge them with addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora promptly.
To ensure compliance with their resolution, the House mandated its Committee on Diaspora to oversee the process of constituting the NIDCOM Board and ensure that the needs of Nigerians in the Diaspora are given the attention they deserve.
In conclusion, the House of Representatives has emphasized the importance of addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the Diaspora through the effective functioning of the NIDCOM. By constituting the Governing Board and providing the necessary support, the government can better serve the needs of its citizens living abroad and further strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and its diaspora population.
Read the original article on Nigerian Tribune
