By: Mercy Peter
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Monday announced that it will be launching the Diaspora Home and Abroad Platform.
The platform, according to Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, was designed to provide Nigerians living abroad with safe, reliable, and accessible housing options.
No fewer than 1,200 physical participants and thousands of virtual attendees from around the world are expected to participate at
the sixth edition of National Diaspora Day, holding on July 25 and 26 at the State House Conference Centre, Presidential Villa, Abuja, where the launch will take place.
Dabiri-Erewa
said said this year’s celebration is geared towards real, practical engagement with Nigerians abroad.
“In 2024 alone, Nigerians in the diaspora sent home over $20 billion, more than the country’s foreign direct investment,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
“But beyond the numbers is a wealth of knowledge, skills, and global exposure that we must now channel into nation-building.”
She said this year’s theme, “Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,” reflects the need for action, not just talk, in harnessing diaspora contributions.
In a show of growing global interest, a group of 25 African American visitors will also join the Abuja celebration, highlighting renewed connections between Nigeria and the historic African diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that NiDCOM’s focus in recent years has been to deepen structured diaspora engagement through initiatives such as the Diaspora Focal Point Officers in states, the National Diaspora Policy, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), and the ongoing Diaspora Data Mapping as well as constant engagements.
As part of the celebration, a Youth Empowerment Summit will also take place, focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) as a key driver of development. Students from 14 schools across Abuja will participate.
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Mr Abiodun Akanbi, confirmed that over 500 young people will attend the STEM summit, which forms a key part of the overall programme.
Other highlights of the two-day hybrid event include plenary sessions, investment fora, and strategic networking.
The celebration will end with the National Diaspora Merit Awards, honouring exceptional Nigerians making a difference globally.
