House of Reps, NiDCOM launch NiDRes app to deepen diaspora engagement

The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Affairs, in partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has launched the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) mobile application and web portal to strengthen engagement with Nigerians living abroad.

The launch took place at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, during the Stakeholders’ Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025), themed “Legislative–Executive Partnership in Diaspora Governance: Harmonious Working Relationship Towards Productive Diaspora Policy.”

Speaking at the event, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, highlighted the critical role of Nigerians in the diaspora in driving national development.

“The diaspora community remains one of our greatest catalysts for progress — from remittances to innovation,” he said. “This engagement marks the beginning of a continuous partnership between lawmakers, the executive, and our citizens abroad.”

Hon. Tochukwu Chinedu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, explained that the NiDRes App and web portal were designed to enhance communication and service delivery.

“The NiDRes App provides a direct channel for Nigerians abroad to submit reports, suggestions, and inquiries,” he said. “It is 98% ready and will go live immediately after this event. While it is not for diaspora voting, it will centralize engagement, data collection, and issue resolution. Legislative work on diaspora voting is already advanced and may be concluded by Q1 2026.”

Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, commended the House Committee for pioneering the collaboration.

“With the NiDRes App, communication will be faster and more effective. The diaspora can no longer be ignored — beyond remittances, they are catalysts for holistic growth,” she said. She added that NiDCOM had also launched a Diaspora Data Portal to facilitate registration, policy planning, and eventual diaspora voting.

The event drew lawmakers, diplomats, technocrats, and Nigerian professionals across the globe, both physically and virtually. Discussions focused on enhancing legislative–executive collaboration in diaspora governance, promoting inclusivity, and institutionalizing data-driven policymaking.

Prince Aliyu Audu, Vice President of the Nigerian-Irish Business Association (NIBA) and Co-founder of the Nigeria Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI), stressed the importance of collaboration to ease challenges faced by Nigerians abroad.

“The takeaway from today is clear — we must strengthen collaboration between the legislature and executive to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora.

“There are still obstacles preventing our people abroad from investing, doing business, and engaging effectively with home. That must change,” he said.

Audu, a respected banker and economist, also highlighted efforts to foster bilateral trade between Nigeria and Ireland, including organizing summits connecting Irish businesses and government officials with the Nigerian diaspora.

“One practical step we are advocating is establishing a direct flight between Nigeria and Dublin to facilitate travel and business exchange,” he added.