The newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Natasha Akpoti, has assured the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) of her committee’s commitment to supporting the agency in fulfilling its mandate. This pledge was made during a briefing session where she received a delegation led by NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
During the meeting, Akpoti outlined three key areas where the Senate Committee would assist NiDCOM, including advocating for increased budgetary allocation, securing a better office space, and ensuring the welfare of Nigerians living abroad. She emphasized the importance of a well-supported diaspora commission in addressing the needs and concerns of Nigerians outside the country.
Earlier, the NiDCOM Chairman provided an overview of the Commission’s activities and challenges since its inception, highlighting its engagement with Nigerians abroad and its efforts to promote their welfare. She urged the Senate Committee to support amendments to NiDCOM’s enabling Act and assist in securing a permanent Diaspora Plaza to serve as the Commission’s headquarters.
Dabiri-Erewa also expressed optimism about working with Senator Akpoti while acknowledging the efforts of the former Committee Chairman, Senator Victor Umeh, for his contributions over the past 19 months. She presented key documents, including the National Diaspora Policy, past Commission publications, and NiDCOM’s 2025 calendar of events.
As the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs takes on its oversight role, the collaboration between NiDCOM and lawmakers will be crucial in addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians abroad. Whether these commitments translate into tangible improvements remains to be seen.
