Governor of Cross River State received the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar. The meeting focused on reinforcing ties with Nigerians living abroad and exploring avenues for their active participation in the socio-economic development of Cross River State and the nation.
The collaboration between the state government and NiDCOM offers numerous benefits. Diaspora engagement can bring in financial remittances, foreign investment, skills transfer, and global best practices, which are essential for sustainable development. Additionally, harnessing the expertise of citizens abroad can boost innovation, entrepreneurship, and capacity building within the state. Such partnerships can also enhance international advocacy and strengthen Cross River’s global profile.
However, challenges remain in fully leveraging the potential of the diaspora. Issues such as limited coordination between state agencies and diaspora networks, gaps in data on skilled professionals abroad, and bureaucratic bottlenecks in investment facilitation can hinder the effectiveness of such initiatives. Moreover, political instability, insecurity, and infrastructural deficits in Nigeria may affect diaspora confidence in contributing to development projects.
The Governor expressed optimism about deepening this partnership, emphasizing the importance of mobilizing the state’s citizens, both at home and abroad, for collective progress. He underlined that consistent engagement, transparent policies, and an enabling environment would be key to translating diaspora contributions into tangible developmental outcomes.
Strengthening ties with the Nigerian diaspora represents a strategic avenue for advancing socio-economic growth. While challenges exist, effective collaboration, supported by structured policies and stakeholder commitment, can transform diaspora contributions into sustainable development, fostering progress for Cross River State and Nigeria at large.
Stone Reporters
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