17m diaspora Nigerians: NIDCOM advocates electronic voting

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian in Diaspora Commission(NIDCOM) Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa has urged the National Assembly to make it possible for Nigerians in the diaspora to vote in Nigeria’s general election in the nearest future.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call, on Sunday, at the 2021 National Diaspora Day, with the theme “Diaspora Integration for National Peace and Development.”

According to Dabiri-Erewa: “We are only asking for one thing, make it possible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be able to conduct diaspora voting when INEC feels that the infrastructure is ready.”

Dabiri-Erewa expressed optimism as she urged the legislature to put over 17 million diaspora Nigerians into consideration now that the country sought an amendment to the Electoral Act 2010.

“We are optimistic that we will achieve diaspora voting. I hope history will be made under the 9th National Assembly.”

Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerians in the diaspora to be good ambassadors of the country and to share best practices with Nigerians at home.

Dabiri-Erewa commended the COVID-19 Support Group, an initiative of diaspora Nigerians, for donating about N80 million for the purchase and distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to every state in the country.

“Development could only thrive in a peaceful environment, hence the need for collaboration for maximum cooperation and progress of the nation.”

She disclosed that Abia and Edo States would soon join 33 other states in the country that had set up a diaspora commission. Sokoto, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom States are the only three states yet to have a diaspora focal person.

In his keynote address, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada noted the importance of diaspora voting as he stressed that Nigerians in the diaspora should be granted the same opportunity to decide the governance process in the country as those who resided at home.

“All relevant parties are working assiduously to ensure that Nigerians in diaspora voting rights are attained, as we believe that Nigerians in the diaspora have the same rights and responsibility as Nigerians who reside at home.”

“Federal Government of Nigeria on its part would constantly aim to create an enabling environment by adopting policies tailored to support our citizens in Diaspora to ensure your safety and wellbeing.”

The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Okonjo-Iweala, in her submission posited that diaspora are Nigerians, they should be able to vote, adding that it can be done easily through Nigeria’s embassies being empowered.”

“If we are spending 20 billion dollars plus into the economy and generates taxes every year, why can’t we vote?”

“Even if we are not sending anything we are Nigerians. The thing I love about Nigeria is where ever they are, they always thinking of home.”

The high point to mark the 2021 National Diaspora Day celebration was the official presentation of the recently approved National Diaspora Policy to Nigerians in the diaspora.

The policy was put together by NIDCOM, the Standing Committee on Diaspora Matters, the International Organisation for Migration, the European Union and other relevant stakeholders.

The National Diaspora Policy was validated by every relevant Ministry, Department and Agency (MDA) on July 5, 2019, and was adopted and approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), on February 20 this year.

The vision, mission and goal of the National Diaspora Policy is to effectively promote and harness the capacity and resources of Nigerians in the diaspora for the growth and development of the country.

It is expected that the policy will create a framework for Nigerians in the diaspora, maximise their potential in capital, knowledge and networks for constructive engagements aimed towards sustainable national development.

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17m diaspora Nigerians: NIDCOM advocates electronic voting

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