The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has revealed that the ninth Assembly would commence second reading on Diaspora Voting Bill for the enfranchisement of Nigerians living in the Diaspora immediately after the House recess.
The chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe revealed this during a meeting with Nigerians living in the United States, saying this is part of the 9th Assembly’s commitment to the Diaspora community.
She explained that Nigerians living outside the country have as much stake in the present and future of Nigeria as those who live in Nigeria, adding that “we are working to ensure that the Diaspora voting becomes a reality. Although, there are some challenges to be worked out in the implementation, nonetheless, the process has begun.”
Akande-Sadipe explained that the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the enfranchisement of Nigerians abroad and that the bill in the amended format will come up for the second reading upon resumption from the recess and conveyed the goodwill of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the House Committee on Diaspora to the people.
She reiterated that they are committed to the cause of people in the Diaspora and assured citizens living abroad of the readiness of the 9th Assembly to partner with all relevant stakeholders in formulating policies that represent Sustainable National Growth and Development”.
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Further, she called on the Federal Government to leverage on Diaspora Resources for National Development, which is aimed at creating an avenue for prospective, meaningful and sustainable diaspora investments, adding that, “if well-realized, it will boost economic growth and development of our great country; Nigeria”
In addition, she urged the Federal Government to intensify the design and implementation of strategies to harness the nation’s grossly underutilized potentials in the diaspora. This, she said would successfully transition the Nigerian economy from the state of commodity-dominated production to high value-added production.
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