NASS Taps NiDCOM to Explore External Funding Sources, Diaspora Data Mapping

NASS Taps NiDCOM to Explore External Funding Sources, Diaspora Data Mapping

The National Assembly (NASS) has urged the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to explore external funding sources and develop a comprehensive diaspora data mapping strategy.

This move will enhance the commission’s effectiveness in engaging with the diaspora community and promoting national development.

This was disclosed at 2024 Budget Performance Review and the presentation of the 2025 Budget proposal in Abuja by Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.

The NASS committee noted that  the importance of diversifying NiDCOM’s funding sources to reduce dependence on government allocations.

They encouraged the commission to seek partnerships with international organizations, donor agencies, and private sector entities to support its initiatives.

Regarding diaspora data mapping, the lawmakers stressed the need for accurate and reliable data on Nigerians living abroad. This data will enable NiDCOM to better understand the diaspora community’s needs, preferences, and contributions, ultimately informing policy decisions and program development.

A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun

Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, in Abuja.

The statement read in parts: “President over the joint session, Sen. Victor Umeh, Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs and NGOs, noted the significant difference between NiDCOM’s 2024 and proposed 2025 budgets proposal.

“He stressed the need for better financial support and infrastructure for a Commission whose impact has been felt and is critical to Nigeria’s national development.

Commending the prudent leadership style of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Sen. Umeh acknowledged her efforts in boosting diaspora engagement despite provision of embarrassingly low resources.noting the increase in diaspora remittances and investments in the country

“Members of the Joint Committee, including Senators Ezenwa Onyenwuchi, Ibrahim Dakwambo , Onawo Ogoshi as well as Hon. Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe,  shared their thoughts on external funding sources, diaspora data mapping, in fighting amongst members of NIDO across continents , among other issues

“The lawmakers  unanimously agreed that NiDCOM is underfunded and resolved to advocate for a revision of the Appropriation Bill to reflect an increase to be able to meet up with its core mandates.

“Presenting NiDCOM’s 2024 budget performance, Dabiri-Erewa said that the Commission managed a total budget of ₦263,125,368 million achieving 99 per cent execution rate. However, despite a capital budget of ₦1,685,630,449 billion, no releases have been made so far from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.

“For 2025, Dabiri-Erewa said the proposed budget allocates ₦363,943,894 millions for salaries and wages; ₦377,098,274 millions for overhead costs, and ₦541,037,512 millions for personnel costs.

“Dabiri-Erewa also listed the Commission’s strategic plans for 2025, including enhancing diaspora engagement, increasing personnel capacity-building, and developing infrastructure to support investment and welfare programmes.

“She reiterated the urgent need for a dedicated Diaspora Plaza , not only to serve as office for the commission, but a hub for Nigerians abroad when they visit home.

“Responding to inquiries about external funding, the NiDCOM Chairman disclosed that the Commission relies on sponsorships and partnerships from well-meaning organisations for its major events, as it currently receives no external funding.or grants.

“She equally stressed the importance of diaspora data mapping, expressing hope that the establishment of a physical structure to facilitate accurate and real-time data collection,is in the process.

“On the issue of in fighting amongst various chapters of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO), Dabiri Erewa stated that such attitude does not augur well for positive development , while calling on NASS committees on diaspora to intervene

“The NiDCOM Chairman expressed her gratitude to the members of the Joint Committee for its unwavering support and assured the Committee of the Commission’s  commitment to achieving its mandate.”

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, welcomed the NASS’s suggestions, acknowledging the challenges faced by the commission in securing adequate funding and data. She assured the lawmakers that NiDCOM would explore all available options to address these challenges and enhance its services to the diaspora community.

The development of a comprehensive diaspora data mapping strategy is expected to facilitate targeted engagement, improve service delivery, and promote more effective collaboration between NiDCOM and the diaspora community. By exploring external funding sources, NiDCOM can reduce its reliance on government funding and increase its autonomy in pursuing its mandate.