NiDCOM Boss Calls for Muslim Diaspora Unity, Cooperation

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for greater unity, coordinated action and stronger international cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities to address shared challenges and contribute to national and global development.

According to a communique, presented by the programme liaison, Ali Fahad, Dabiri-Erewa made the call while representing Nigeria at the First Muslim Diaspora Forum in Ankara, Türkiye, on the theme, “From Roots to Routes”, with ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers and representatives from more than 47 countries in attendance.

The forum was declared open by the Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.

In her presentation, titled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa said effective diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger links with countries of origin.

She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives, joint action against discrimination and efforts to tackle hate speech as key areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.

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Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted NiDCOM’s efforts to provide accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promote positive narratives and counter misinformation, while supporting Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.

She noted that diaspora contributions extend beyond remittances to include medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other development initiatives.

The NiDCOM boss stressed that migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin, noting the need to create opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora to continue contributing to national development.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa held meetings with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan; Sayed Ahmed, who heads Sudan’s diaspora organisation; and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of SESRIC.

She also held a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

The meeting focused on the Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB, with both sides underscoring the need to translate the agreement into concrete and impactful programmes in areas including diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development and bilateral cooperation.