NIDCOM, EFCC strengthens partnership to address diaspora issues

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its pivotal role in resolving numerous fraud cases involving Nigerians abroad.

Dabiri Erewa gave the commendation when she led the Management of the Commission to pay a courtesy call on EFCC Chairman, Mr Ola Olukoyede and its management team in Abuja on Wednesday.

She noted that the mere mention of the EFCC’s name has been effective in deterring fraudulent activities, thereby safeguarding the image of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

The discussions also focused on critical issues affecting Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly concerning remittances and the overall image of the nation’s abroad.

During the visit, Dabiri-Erewa expressed her gratitude to the Agency and its management for their swift and effective resolution of cases referred by NiDCOM.

She listed some of the challenges faced by NiDCOM, highlighting the pressing issue of office accommodation, and requested EFCC’s assistance in addressing the matter.
The NiDCOM Boss also outlined several key initiatives undertaken by the Commission, including the National Diaspora Policy, Diaspora Data Mapping, the Diaspora Lecture Series, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Medical Missions by Diasporans, Returnees Intervention Programs, and the Badagry Door of Return among others.

These initiatives, she emphasized, are crucial in strengthening the ties between Nigeria and its Diaspora community.

Responding, Olukoyede expressed his appreciation for NiDCOM’s efforts and assured that EFCC would take immediate steps to resolve the accommodation issue faced by the Commission.
He noted with concern the challenges faced by some Nigerians abroad, particularly the stigma attached to holders of Nigerian passport, saying NiDCOM work is gradually changing the narrative.

Olukoyede disclosed that a lot of stashed and stolen funds from Nigeria were invested in assets across the world, adding that the Commission is working round the clock to recover such funds and plough it back into the nation’s economy for national development.

The EFCC Boss assured the Commission of his readiness to continue to partner with it in its activities and programmes geared towards revamping the bad image some bad citizens have created about Nigeria.

He stressed on the shared mandate of both Commissions aimed at encouraging Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, to be exemplary ambassadors of the country. “The path to greatness is filled with hard work and dedication.”