The Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo,has announced a significant review of the country’s migration and visa policies, aiming to streamline and simplify processes for Nigerians at home and abroad.
The Minister made this declaration during a meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), and her team.
Tunji-Ojo expressed concerns about existing migration and visa policies that seem to create disparities and make Nigeria appear as a destination for unwanted migrants. In response, he revealed that the review would prioritize the principle of reciprocity, aligning Nigeria with international standards.
The Minister commended NIDCOM for its proactive approach under the leadership of Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasizing the organization’s potential to enhance the welfare of Nigerians abroad and bolster the nation’s global image.
However, Tunji-Ojo also shared his worries about the challenges associated with passport processing, data capture, and collection. He expressed optimism that the review would lead to more efficient procedures.
Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in turn, praised the Minister’s dynamic efforts to improve passport issuance to Nigerians both domestically and abroad. She called for more effective processes for passport data capture and collection, urging closer collaboration between NIDCOM and the Ministry.
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted several activities and initiatives undertaken by NIDCOM, including data mapping of Nigerians in the Diaspora, enhanced diaspora remittances, the creation of diaspora focal persons, and the establishment of events such as Diaspora Day on July 25, the Badagry Door of Return, Diaspora Quarterly lecture series, the National Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and numerous welfare programs for Nigerians.
The NIDCOM Chairman emphasized the urgency of collaborative efforts and the need for a structured platform to address complex diaspora-related issues, requiring coordination from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.