follow and like on:
By Maureen Okon
Retired Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau is seeking collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) ahead of his deployment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to China.
Dambazau made the call in Abuja during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
He said he understood the significance of the commission to Nigerians abroad, having once been part of the diaspora community while residing in Boston, United States, during his time at Harvard University.
He said that as once a resident of Boston, United States, he was a very active member of the diaspora association, and that he appreciated the work the commission was doing.
“I have known Mrs Erewa for quite a long time, we have been together in the same party and we have campaigned together all over the country so she is not new to me.
“I know that this assignment given to me, I wouldn’t be able to do it alone, so I need the support and input of all relevant institutions.
“This is why I am proud of visiting as many as I can,” he said.
He said he understood that China had a large number of Nigerians resident there as well as a large number of those involved in trade and commerce.
“So, we have the responsibility to protect the interests of Nigeria and Nigerians in China.
“That is a priority area and I know that this commission focuses on projecting and promoting the diaspora, therefore, I came here to seek partnership and support from the commission.
“So that whatever involves Nigerians in diaspora, we should put our heads together to ensure that their interests are well protected,” he said.
He also said he was interested in the collaboration so as to collectively guide both the Nigerians resident in China and those doing business on how to relate well with their host country.
“If we do that, I’m sure that most of the issues or challenges we are having will be taken care of,” he said.
Dambazau added that consular services, especially issues relating to citizenship, would require collaboration with the commission.
He also identified challenges involving Nigerians imprisoned abroad for violating laws in host countries as another area requiring joint effort.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the contributions of many Nigerians in China engaged in trade and commerce, while acknowledging the existence of a few criminal elements.
“We welcome you very much, I’m particularly excited with your assignment to China for two reasons.
“Apart from being a retired general, your experience as Minister of Interior will actually help with your new role in China.
“As you have said, we have the good and the bad, we have a lot of Nigerians involved in trade and commerce in China but we don’t even talk about them enough.
“They’re doing a lot of commerce, a lot of trade, and, you know, importing, exporting, and really doing very, very well.
“We also have the bad that are in prisons, as you have said and I think we have two or three cases on our table at this point in time.
“So these are among other challenges the commission is handling and we do not know the numbers as of now, but I’m sure when you get there, there are little cases of immigration that really they should send them back home rather than keep them in prison,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss expressed optimism about deeper collaboration with China, especially in the area of data management for Nigerians abroad.
She urged the ambassador-designate to support efforts at developing a comprehensive database of Nigerians in the diaspora and students overseas.
According to her, such a database would improve response efforts during repatriation of Nigerian citizens when a crisis breaks out.
She added that the commission had started with the data collection and urged Nigerians especially students to go on the portal and register.
“It’s not when there’s a crisis that we’ll be looking for you, you’re looking for us.
“So, we’ve started, we’re populating it, but we’ll share it with you so that you can tell them over in China.
“It’s for Nigerians to have a data portal, just like India.
“During COVID, it was easier for India to get all their citizens because they had a data portal.
“It was more difficult for us, and it’s one of the reasons we said it’s something we must do.
“We have started, and we hope that we continue to improve on it,” she said.
She invited the ambassador-designate to join the Diaspora Day celebration which will come up on July 24 and 25 virtually.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Wandoo Sombo
follow and like on:
