In a bid to increase foreign direct investment, the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa has pledged to collaborate more strategically with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, (NIDO) Europe.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this when she received the Continental Chairman of NIDO, Europe, Dr Bashir Obasekola and the Chairman NIDO, Russia Chapter Mr Uwem-Edimo Sampson in Abuja.
Amongst other things discussed was the issue of diaspora voting.
She said her office is ready to engage the Nigerian Diaspora for human capital development.
She expressed optimism that “I know Diaspora Voting will happen in the nearest future”.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed great joy with the steps taken by the NiDO Russia so far to drive investment back home and propel the growth of the economy
Mr Uwem-Edimo Sampson, Chairman NIDO, Russia, called for the need to create inter- banking system between Nigeria and Russia to improve trade exchanges between the two countries.
Uwem-Edimo stated that since Nigeria ranks fourth out of the countries producing cocoa globally, there was nothing stopping Nigeria from dealing with Russia directly instead of through a third party.
He stated that, the statistics of 2021 showed that Russia imported Cocoa worth 1.4 billion dollars and the major supplier was Germany, therefore Nigeria can supply directly to Russia.
He further said NiDO Russia chapter is encouraging Russia business owners to trade directly with Nigeria and not through other countries, so as to galvanise the economy .
Also speaking, Dr Bashir Obasekola the NiDO Europe Continental Chairman said NiDO is delighted to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) to engage home land development and promote good image of the country.
Dr Obasekola encouraged Nigerians in Diaspora to think home and invest positively in Nigeria, adding that NIDCOM has provided the link and platform for a robust Diaspora engagement for various missions back home be it medical, Charity and investment.
In the Meeting, the issue of the new currency swap was raised.
They urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to put necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that Nigerians in Diaspora are considered in the currency swap by extending the deadline and making the new notes available to Nigerians in the Diaspora who also have old naira notes to swap.
