The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called for stronger partnerships between Nigerians abroad and local institutions to harness the expertise, professional networks and investment potential of diaspora professionals for national development.
The commission said the growing presence of Nigerians in leadership positions across international organisations, multinational corporations and prestigious academic institutions presents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s human capital and support economic growth.
NiDCOM Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the call on Monday in Abuja, while commending Nigerians making significant contributions in their respective fields globally.
She said their accomplishments reflected the diaspora component of President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda, which focuses on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, the achievements demonstrate the capacity of Nigerians to contribute to global progress while creating opportunities for the country to benefit from the knowledge and experience they have acquired abroad.
“These achievements demonstrate that Nigerians, wherever they reside, continue to contribute significantly to global progress,” she said.
She added that the accomplishments reinforced the need to engage Nigerians abroad as strategic partners in the country’s development efforts.
Among the Nigerians recognised by NiDCOM are Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu for her contributions to international cancer control; Professor Ibrahim Abubakar in global epidemic preparedness; and Dr Bolu Ogunyemi in medical leadership in Canada.
Others include Ifeanyi Umunna, recognised for his student leadership at Harvard Law School; Professor Christian Harrison in academic management; Ugwechi Amadi in global corporate strategy; and Dr Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim in specialised neurosurgery.
Dabiri-Erewa said Nigeria’s large, youthful and skilled population represented a significant human-capital resource that could be strengthened through closer collaboration between professionals at home and abroad.
She advocated structured mechanisms for knowledge exchange, professional mentorship and investment partnerships between diaspora experts and Nigerian institutions.
Such collaboration, she said, could support capacity development and innovation across critical sectors, including healthcare, education, technology and public policy.
The NiDCOM chief reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to mobilising diaspora expertise for national development, urging young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the accomplishments of their compatriots overseas.
She encouraged them to pursue excellence, integrity and innovation in their chosen careers, while contributing to Nigeria’s development.
The call highlights the potential for Nigeria to translate the international achievements of its citizens into stronger professional networks, skills transfer and development partnerships at home.
 has called for stronger partnerships between Nigerians abroad and local institutions to harness){kind=link}