Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has described Nigerians in the Diaspora as agents of change, innovation, investment, and social transformation, saying their strategic engagement remains vital to the nation’s economic and social progress.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Gabriel Odu, of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
The statement reads partly: “The best platform to strategically engage with Nigerian Diasporas who are agents of change, innovations, investments and social transformation is the establishment of the State Diaspora Focal Point Offices and Officers’ Summit across the country.
“The vision of Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) is to promote and harness the capacity and resources of Cross Riverians in the Diaspora for overall national development.
“Cross River State is delighted to host this Summit of like minds in the Canaan City. The 2021 National Diaspora Policy provides a framework for effective engagement with Nigerians abroad for national development.
“The Diaspora cannot be ignored anymore in Nigeria.”
Governor Otu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the remarks during the 4th State Diaspora Focal Point Officers’ Summit held in Calabar, Cross River State.
He emphasised that the engagement of the diaspora community through well-coordinated state offices would provide a structure for development-driven partnerships and measurable contributions to Nigeria’s growth.
He noted that the Cross River State Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM) was created to align with the national policy and deepen collaboration with Nigerians abroad.
According to the statement, Governor Otu expressed delight that Cross River hosted the summit, describing it as a gathering of “like minds committed to leveraging the diaspora for national and state transformation.”
Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, while addressing participants, reaffirmed that the summit was designed to strengthen diaspora engagement through state channels. She commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its continued commitment to diaspora affairs and inclusive national policy.
She noted that the Nigerian diaspora had become indispensable to the country’s socio-economic advancement, saying: “The Diaspora cannot be ignored anymore in Nigeria.” Dabiri-Erewa also urged state governments to sustain their support for Focal Point Officers to ensure that diaspora dividends reach all levels of society.
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora, NGOs and Civil Societies, Senator Bassey Aniekan, represented by the Deputy Chairman, Senator Anthony Yaro, described the Nigerian diaspora community as the nation’s “new economic window” and a repository of skills, knowledge, and global networks essential for growth and unity.
He stated that “Strengthening the states and our diaspora will not only drive growth but also deepen unity and shared prosperity across our nation.”
Also, the Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, emphasised the critical economic value of diaspora remittances, noting that annual inflows have exceeded $20 billion, according to data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). He said these remittances reflect the tangible impact of Nigerians abroad on the nation’s development landscape.
In his remarks, the Chairman of CRIDCOM, Prince Otu Okor, said hosting the summit in Calabar marked a “historic milestone” for Cross River State.
He noted that Cross River remains the first state in Nigeria to establish a diaspora commission modelled after NiDCOM.
He described the summit as a “landmark event aimed at deepening collaboration and giving structure to the engagement of Cross Riverians in the diaspora.”
Also present at the event were representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and diaspora focal officers from Akwa Ibom, Benue, Enugu, Niger, FCT, Kogi, Ekiti, Edo, and Cross River States, among other strategic partners.
The summit, held under the theme “Nigerians in Diaspora as Agents for a Positive Image of Nigeria and State Involvement as a Platform for Diaspora Engagement in National Development,” explored policy frameworks, investment opportunities, and collaborative models for inclusive growth.
