Data critical in integrating Nigerians abroad in national Devt – Minister

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, asserts that the diaspora database was an essential element for the mobilization and integration of Nigerians abroad for national development.

The minister said this during the inauguration of the Nigerian Data Mapping Portal of the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja on Tuesday.

He explained that the database was intended for the active pursuit of the commission’s mandate as enshrined in the 2017 law on the establishment of NiDCOM.

“In addition, it will provide for the engagement of Nigerians abroad in the policies, projects and programs of Nigerian governments at all levels.

“And for their participation in the development of Nigeria, with the aim of utilizing the human capital and material resources of the diasporas for the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of Nigeria and related matters.”

“In accordance with the intention, purpose and vision of the establishment of NiDCOM, it is a privilege to commission the Diaspora Database Portal for the benefit and use of our Nigerians in the Diaspora,” did he declare.

Speaking earlier, the Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, President and CEO of NiDCOM, said the importance of the launch was not just to spread awareness of the portal, but to develop a collaborative program.

According to her, the collaborative program is for the development of a credible database of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“From the start, we have undertaken this momentous task of mapping Nigerians in the diaspora around the world. We understand for us to effectively carry out the mandate of the commission, to foresee the engagement of the Nigerian diaspora in the political projects and programs of the government at all levels; a reliable and scalable database is required.

“The aim is to build a realistic profile of the approximately 17 million Nigerians who are part of the diaspora, to identify them and to engage effectively with them.

“In our first year, the commission began building data mapping sites that serve as the premier raw data capture platform in over 10 countries in 2020.

“This year we have included 10 additional countries, which will strengthen our data capture capacity in more than 20 countries by the end of 2021,” she said.

The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that Nigerians in the diaspora can access and register through the website: www.nidcom.gov.ng/registry.

Other people who spoke at the ceremony were Mr. Franz Celestin, Head of Mission of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Eleni Zerzelidou, Head of International Aid / Cooperation Migration, Drugs and Organized Crime , EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS.

They said the portal will help the Nigerian government understand the social strength of Nigerians in the diaspora.

They urged all Nigerians in the diaspora to register as it would have a huge impact, while urging the government to protect all information on the portal. (NAA)

(NAN)