Politics
ABIKE Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, has assured Nigerians living in Ghana of the Commission’s renewed engagement, dedication and commitment to addressing the plethora of challenges confronting them.
Speaking at the Town hall Meeting with Nigerians in Ghana on the sideline of the African Diaspora Forum, DAF, Award 2024 in Accra, Ghana, the NIDCOM boss explained that the Commission is now part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and that its operations have been seamless.
According to her, the integration of NIDCOM with the Ministry would strengthen the Commission and enhance its engagements because it will now be an agency.
The statement by NIDCOM stated that some of the issues raised by Nigerians in Ghana bordered on very high residence permit fees charged in Ghana, influx of trafficked under-aged girls and boys, the status of Nigerian traders in Ghana and the need to have a comprehensive list of accredited universities to prevent Nigerian students from being victims of unapproved universities and many others
They commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo for his innovations in passport application processes.
It added that Dabiri-Erewa also provided insights into NiDCOM’s programmes such as the forthcoming launch of the Diaspora Housing Mortgage Scheme scheduled for April.
She emphasised that the Federal Government, through the Federal Mortgage Bank, will offer a N50-million mortgage to support home ownership in Nigeria for citizens residing abroad.
“This initiative aims to empower Nigerians abroad to own homes in
Nigeria, excluding Lagos and Abuja, at favourable rates,” she explained.
Additionally, she highlighted other NiDCOM initiatives such as the
Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Quarterly Lecture, National
Diaspora Day and the National Diaspora Merit Award as the platform to address the challenges encountered by Nigerians residing in Ghana.
In his remarks, Ambassador Usman Aliyu Bakori, Head of Nigerian Mission in Ghana, expressed appreciation to the Chairman for prioritising Diaspora issues and for promptly addressing their concerns whenever called upon.
He also welcomed the housing scheme proposal, stating, “We value your insights. Nigerian citizens in Ghana abide by the law. While we face
occasional challenges, we strive to manage them. We appeal to the
Federal Government for financial support, especially considering that the fluctuating exchange rates is affecting our operations in Ghana.”
He emphasised the importance of devising strategies to facilitate traders’ ownership of shops and properties without encountering harassment.
The meeting witnessed presentations from various groups in Ghana, including the Igbo, Yoruba and Arewa groups, Students Union, Traders
Union, Professionals, and other associations.
A.
-March 06, 2024 @ 10:35 GMT|
Tags: Abike Dabiri-Erewa Ambassador Usman Aliyu Bakori NIDCOM Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
