Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, has pledged her support for the initiatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
The senator made the commitment during a meeting with NIDCOM Chairman, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the National Assembly on Wednesday. According to a statement by Senator Natasha’s Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, the collaboration aims to strengthen NIDCOM’s efforts in engaging and supporting Nigerians living abroad.
During the meeting, Senator Natasha assured Dabiri-Erewa of the committee’s cooperation in fast-tracking key legislative matters, including amending the NIDCOM Act and Diaspora Act, as well as establishing a Diaspora Trust Fund to enhance support for Nigerians abroad.
Dabiri-Erewa briefed the committee on NIDCOM’s achievements, such as creating Diaspora focal points across most states and launching intervention programmes for Nigerians imprisoned overseas. She also stressed the importance of data mapping to accurately determine the number of Nigerians residing in different countries.
“This meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora,” the statement noted.
The collaboration is expected to drive legislative changes that will bolster NIDCOM’s mandate and improve the welfare of Nigerians worldwide.