By Mercy Gadia Adi
In a move to strengthen democratic inclusion and deepen diaspora participation in national development, the House of Representatives has announced plans to advance the long-awaited Diaspora Voting Bill. The legislation, once passed, will allow millions of Nigerians living abroad to exercise their constitutional right to vote in national elections.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, disclosed this on Monday while declaring open a one-day Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025) and launching the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) Application and Website. The event was organised by the House Committee on Diaspora in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Speaking through Hon. Patrick Umoh, member representing Ikot Ekpene/Essien Udim/Obot Akara Federal Constituency, the Speaker described the initiative as “a major step towards extending democratic participation to all citizens and ensuring that every Nigerian voice is heard in the process of nation-building.”
He added: “The 10th House of Representatives places diaspora engagement at the heart of our national priorities. It aligns with our legislative agenda, which emphasises inclusion, accountability, and reforms that drive economic development. We believe Nigerians everywhere should have a say in shaping the future of their country.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, explained that the NiSEDiG 2025 initiative was designed to “create a unified policy framework that combines institutions, legislation, and technology to strengthen diaspora governance.”
According to him, “The launch of the NiDRes App and Website is a practical solution to simplify how Nigerians abroad access government services and communicate with their missions globally. It bridges the gap between the government and our people in the diaspora.”
In her keynote address, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, praised the progress made in diaspora engagement since the Commission’s establishment six years ago.
“Over the past six years, the Nigeria–Diaspora relationship has made groundbreaking strides in health, education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and volunteerism,” she said. “We have now entered a new phase of consolidating diaspora engagement to boost national development.”
She recalled that the National Diaspora Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on April 28, 2021, provides the framework for enhancing diaspora participation in nation-building. Dabiri-Erewa also pointed out that the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, launched in June 2021, continues to strengthen data-driven decision-making and strategic planning.
Highlighting the economic impact of diaspora contributions, Dabiri-Erewa stated: “Diaspora remittances remain Nigeria’s highest source of foreign exchange, amounting to 23.81 billion US dollars in 2019 — about six percent of our Gross Domestic Product (GDP).”
She also listed several key initiatives spearheaded by NiDCOM, including National Diaspora Day (July 25), which celebrates the contributions of Nigerians abroad to national development, and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), a platform linking diaspora investors with local opportunities.
“Other initiatives include the National Town Hall Meeting, where the President meets with Nigerians abroad during official visits, the National Diaspora Merit Award honouring exceptional citizens overseas, and the Diaspora Quarterly Lecture Series addressing issues affecting Nigerians globally,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa further noted collaborative efforts between NiDCOM and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Humanitarian Affairs in repatriating distressed Nigerians.
However, she identified some of the challenges facing NiDCOM. “Our work is constrained by limited funding, inadequate office accommodation, and the urgent need to amend the NiDCOM Act to secure sustainable funding through a small diaspora remittance charge,” she said.
She emphasised that the NiSEDiG 2025 and NiDRes App launch “symbolise Nigeria’s renewed commitment to building a stronger, structured, and inclusive diaspora engagement ecosystem.”
The hybrid event drew participants from Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations (NIDO), the academia, student and youth groups, the Nigerian Immigration Service, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as State Diaspora Focal Point officers.
“The future of Nigeria’s democracy and development lies in harnessing the power, intellect, and patriotism of our citizens wherever they reside,” Abbas stated. “With this bill, we are sending a message that every Nigerian counts — both at home and abroad.”