National Assembly and the Executive Arm of Government have been collaborating to advance the Diaspora Voting Bill, aimed at granting Nigerians living abroad the constitutional right to participate in future national elections.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, announced this while declaring open a one-day Stakeholders’ Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025) and the launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) Application and Website in Abuja.
The event, organized by the House Committee on Diaspora in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), marks a significant step towards extending democratic participation to all citizens and ensuring that every Nigerian’s voice is heard in the process of nation-building.
Dr Abbas Tajuddeen, represented by a member from Akwa Ibom state Mr Patrick Umoh, stated that the 10th House regards diaspora engagement as a national priority that aligned with its legislative agenda of inclusion, accountability, and economic reforms.
Earlier, the Chairman House Committee on Diaspora, Mr Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, said the initiative was designed to create a unified policy framework combining institutions, legislation, and technology to improve Diaspora Governance.
He maintained that the newly launched Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) App and Website would simplify how Nigerians abroad access government services and communicate with missions globally.
In a remark, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri, confirmed that since its establishment in six years the commission has made the Nigeria–Diaspora relationship a groundbreaking strides in health, education, agriculture, ICT, transportation, and volunteerism.
Other key initiatives spearheaded by the commission include, National Diaspora Day (July 25), celebrating diaspora contributions to national development, the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), a platform connecting diaspora investors with local opportunities.
She emphasized that the 2025 stakeholders engagement and the App launch symbolises Nigeria’s renewed commitment to building a stronger, structured, and inclusive diaspora engagement ecosystem.
The event involved stakeholders from Nigerians in Diaspora Organizations (NIDO), the Academia, the Students and Youth groups, Nigerian Immigration Service , Ministries, Department and Agencies of government as well as State Diaspora Focal Point officers.
COV/TSIBIRI
