NIDCOM and DTAC Pledge Enhanced Cooperation for Diaspora Integration

By Iyojo Ameh

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has reiterated the importance of fostering closer inter-agency collaboration with the Directorate of Technical Aid Corps (DTAC).

This initiative is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda and aims to boost overall efficiency.

This declaration was made during a visit to her office by Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakubu, the Director General of DTAC, held in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa underscored the significance of strengthening Diaspora communities to ensure the well-being and seamless integration of labor migrants into their host societies.

She emphasized the need to adequately brief volunteers before their departure, equipping them with the knowledge and skills required to interact effectively with their host countries and the Nigerian communities residing there.

In response, Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakubu, Director General of DTAC, emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between Nigerian Missions and the global Diaspora Community. He advocated for a fundamental shift in mindset when dealing with the Diaspora and called for the swift establishment of dedicated desk offices within foreign missions.

Yakubu elaborated, stating, “When we deploy volunteers for soft power, we are essentially expanding the Diaspora community with which you engage. Therefore, there is a substantial amount of collaborative work ahead, particularly in ensuring that they present a positive image of our country abroad.”

Technical Aid Corps is a parastatal under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and represents Nigeria’s soft diplomacy approach. Established in 1985 during President Ibrahim Babangida’s administration, it involves sending Nigerian professionals overseas for volunteer work.