Abuja, Jan. 22, 2026 – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and a delegation from Cabo Verde met in Abuja on a strategic study visit aimed at deepening cooperation on diaspora engagement, migration management, and development initiatives.
Receiving the delegation, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, stressed the importance of structured diaspora engagement as a driver of national development and urged African countries to place greater priority on their citizens in the diaspora.
Represented by Dr Sule Yakubu Bassi, the Secretary to the Commission, she outlined NiDCOM’s mandate and Nigeria’s framework for engaging its diaspora.
She highlighted the National Diaspora Policy as the guiding document for diaspora relations and provides clear direction for engagement, investment and national participation.
Dabiri-Erewa informed the delegation that Nigeria has set aside July 25 every year as National Diaspora Day and had institutionalised the National Diaspora Merit Awards to recognise exceptional contributions by Nigerians in the Diaspora.
She also cited the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) as a key platform that has facilitated diaspora and foreign investments, while opening opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The NiDCOM boss also said the Diaspora Youth Summit had been instrumental in engaging younger Nigerian diaspora populations understand Nigeria and identify ways to contribute to national development.
She stressed the importance of collaboration with sister agencies, such as the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), particularly on migration management and trafficking in persons.
Dabiri-Erewa said the appointment Diaspora Focal Point Officers (SDFPOs) in the states is another step to strengthen grassroots-level diaspora engagement, adding that every Nigerian in the Diaspora traces their origin to a specific state.
The NiDCOM Chairman also said maintaining active media presence across print, electronic, and social media platforms is essential to enhancing visibility, public awareness, and effective communication of diaspora-related initiatives.
On future plans, she disclosed that NiDCOM is exploring scholarship and exchange programmes to allow young Nigerians to study and learn through diaspora-based institutions.
While acknowledging funding challenges, she said innovative and non-traditional funding approaches remain critical to sustaining diaspora initiatives.
Omaru Djalo Abreu, the leader of the delegation and Project Manager at the International Center for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD) in Cabo Verde shared their country’s experience in diaspora engagement, disclosing that Cabo Verde had an estimated two million citizens living abroad.
He said sustained engagement across socio-cultural, economic, and financial sectors had played a significant role in national development.
Abreu said Cabo Verde’s diaspora had been pivotal during national emergencies, including support during the COVID-19 pandemic and other periods of need.
The leader of the delegation highlighted similarities between both countries in diaspora data mapping systems, cultural and socio-cultural exchange programmes, and heritage-based tourism initiatives.
He also made reference to Cabo Verde’s Diaspora Museum, while Nigeria’s Badagry Door of Return and the Slave Trade Museum in Badagry were cited as important historical and cultural sites that connect the Diaspora to their roots.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration and the exchange of best practices to strengthen diaspora engagement as a tool for inclusive and sustainable development.
The study visit was made up of a joint delegation from Cabo Verde, comprising Migrant Management Institutions and the National Observatory on Trafficking in Persons.
