NISER and NiDCOM host Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop to Harness Nigerian Diaspora Contributions

On February 27, the The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER) in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) convened a high-level Stakeholders’ Engagement Workshop at the BON Hotel, Octagon, Jahi, Abuja, to discuss policy measures for harnessing the contributions of Nigerian professionals in the diaspora for national development.

The workshop, organized as part of an ongoing NISER study, themed “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development,” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from government ministries, embassies, professional bodies, diaspora organizations, and academia. The event aimed to explore strategies to optimize the financial and non-financial contributions of the Nigerian Diaspora towards national economic growth and development.
In her welcome address, Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine, Director-General of NISER, highlighted the significance of the ongoing study, emphasizing that over 17 million Nigerians reside abroad, contributing significantly to sectors such as medicine, IT, engineering, education, and finance. While remittances from the Nigerian diaspora reached $23.8 billion in 2019 before declining to $19.5 billion in 2023, about 70% of these funds are used for consumption rather than productive investments. “This study aims to identify barriers and facilitators that impact diaspora contributions and propose policy solutions that will enhance the efficiency and impact of these contributions on Nigeria’s socio-economic development,” she stated.
The Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, emphasized the importance of leveraging the expertise, networks, and resources of Nigerian professionals abroad. She stated, “Nigeria is blessed with one of the world’s most resourceful diaspora communities. This study will provide us with a comprehensive understanding of how best to engage and utilize the enormous potential of our diaspora population through well-informed policies and initiatives.”
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Vitalis Emeka Obi declared the workshop open and expressed optimism about desirable outcomes emerging from the collaborative study. Goodwill messages were presented by the representatives of Indian High Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Chairs, House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development and House Committee on Diaspora. Goodwill messages were also presented by Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), the Nigerian Society of Engineers and the Nigerian Medical Association. In their goodwill messages, speakers commended the synergy between NISER and NiDCOM, noting that this partnership in collaboration with the network of stakeholders present, will drive the co-creation of improved mechanisms for diaspora engagements.
The workshop served as a platform for gathering insights from stakeholders, ensuring that the study aligns with Nigeria’s National Diaspora Policy (2021) and to strengthen the role of NiDCOM in coordinating investment and policy initiatives. Participants engaged in robust discussions, sharing insights that will inform the study’s design and implementation. The deliberations are expected to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, refine strategic approaches for diaspora engagement, and reinforce partnerships for future initiatives.
Prof. Simbine further emphasized the importance of collaboration between government agencies, professional bodies, and international partners to refine strategies that enhance diaspora engagement. “As we engage in discussions today, I encourage all stakeholders to contribute actively. The findings from this study will serve as a foundation for evidence-based policies that reshape Nigeria’s diaspora engagement strategy,” she concluded.

The event marks a critical step in strengthening the Federal Government’s initiatives to leverage diaspora expertise and investments for national progress.