The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, protection and constructive engagement of Nigerians in the Diaspora, recognising their important contributions to national development and Nigeria’s international presence.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, stated this at a Town Hall Meeting with Nigerians in the Diaspora in New York, held on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly and attended by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON.
The Minister said the engagement underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to listening to Nigerians abroad and addressing their legitimate concerns. She reaffirmed Diaspora engagement as an important pillar of Nigeria’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda and stressed the Ministry’s commitment to Citizens Diplomacy.
She urged Nigerian Missions abroad to remain accessible and responsive to citizens, particularly on legitimate consular matters, while encouraging Nigerians in the Diaspora to respect the laws of their host countries and uphold Nigeria’s good name.
The Minister also called for stronger partnerships with the Diaspora through investments, expertise, mentorship, innovation and international networks that can support Nigeria’s development.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Nigerian Missions and other relevant institutions to strengthen engagement and advance the interests of Nigerians overseas.
The Federal Government remains committed to deepening dialogue, strengthening consular services and building practical partnerships with Nigerians in the Diaspora in support of Nigeria’s national development and foreign policy objectives.
VP Shettima presided the Town Hall and was acompanied by Governors Babagana Zulum of Borno State; AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State; Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State; Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State; Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele; as well as spouses of the Governors of Kwara, Katsina, Abia and Osun States.
Also at the event were Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh; Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro; Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa; Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake; Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim; Minister of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite; and Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure.
Others included Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Lateef Kayode Are; heads of government agencies and senior officials of Nigeria’s missions in the United States, among others.
