The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has launched the NiDRes Application and Website, aimed at addressing diaspora communication challenges. The launch took place at the First Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025). This initiative is a significant step towards integrating Nigerians living abroad into developments at home and will also serve as
The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has launched the NiDRes Application and Website, aimed at addressing diaspora communication challenges. The launch took place at the First Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025).
This initiative is a significant step towards integrating Nigerians living abroad into developments at home and will also serve as a boost to the Diaspora Voting Bill, a significant measure designed to provide Nigerians residing overseas with the constitutional entitlement to engage in national elections.
The announcement was delivered by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at the Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance 2025 (NiSEDiG 2025). The initiative is a collaborative project between the House Committee on Diaspora and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) aimed at allowing Nigerians living abroad to participate in civic duties.
According to NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Speaker reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure that Nigerians abroad are included in the country’s democratic process.
Represented by Patrick Umoh, Abbas described the proposed Diaspora Voting Bill as a “major step toward inclusive governance,” emphasising that every Nigerian, irrespective of geographical location, deserves a voice in national decision-making.
Honourable Abbas further noted that the 10th House of Representatives has made diaspora engagement a legislative priority as part of its broader agenda centred on inclusion, accountability, and economic reform. He stressed that harnessing the expertise and contributions of Nigerians abroad would strengthen democratic participation and national development.
Speaking at the event, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Tochukwu Okere, explained that NiSEDiG 2025 was designed to create a unified policy framework that connects legislation, institutions, and technology to enhance inclusive and diaspora governance.
He added that the newly introduced NiDRes App and website will serve as a digital platform for Nigerians in the diaspora to easily access government services, report issues, and maintain communication with Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide.
Abbas said, “The 10th House considers Diaspora engagement as a national priority, one that must translate into structured policies that strengthen our democracy and national unity.
“The 10th House of Representatives maintains a strong and cooperative relationship with the Executive, guided by a shared commitment to advancing policies and initiatives that strengthen Diaspora engagement and enhance the welfare of Nigerians abroad.”
He commended their involvement in innovation, trade, diplomacy, and humanitarian causes, which has reinforced the country’s reputation as a contributor to global development.
“Their hard work and achievements remain powerful reminders that wherever a Nigerian succeeds, the image of the nation grows stronger.”
Abbas noted that legislative efforts are currently being reinforced to simplify consular immigration and documentation procedures, ensuring that Nigerians living overseas have easier and faster access to the support and services they require from government missions.
“This includes improvements in passport processing from government missions, emergency consular responses, and digital access to official services,” the Speaker said.
He noted that the House will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad and ensure that their concerns receive timely and effective attention.
The NiDCOM Chairman, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in her keynote address, highlighted the steady progress achieved in diaspora engagement over the past six years. She commended Nigerians abroad for their growing contributions across key sectors such as health, education, agriculture, information and communication technology (ICT), and volunteerism.
She stated, “We have now entered a new phase of consolidating diaspora engagement to boost national development.”
Dabiri-Erewa also referenced the National Diaspora Policy, approved in April 2021, which provides a strategic framework for promoting greater diaspora participation in Nigeria’s development agenda. She noted that the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, launched in June 2021, continues to serve as a critical tool for evidence-based policymaking.
Highlighting the economic impact of Nigerians abroad, she recalled that diaspora remittances remain Nigeria’s largest source of foreign exchange, generating $23.81 billion in 2019, an amount representing approximately six percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and Civil Society groups have consistently called for a constitutional amendment to extend voting rights to Nigerians in the diaspora and other eligible groups within the country, to enable diaspora voting would not only enhance inclusivity but also reflect Nigeria’s growing global citizenship.
Additionally, the inclusion of diaspora voting will enhance technological innovation towards ensure free, fair and credible elections in the country.
