The Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has advocated for an establishment of a Unit under Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), that will facilitate a less costly and more efficient remittance process and documentation.
In her goodwill message during the Annual General meeting of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe, held on Tuesday, November 16, 2020, Akande-Sadipe posited that the establishment of a remittance arm of business under NiDCOM will drive more remittances to the country.
Akande-Sadipe said all hands must be on deck for a concerted efforts to harness diaspora remittances potentials towards the development of the nation.
“Nigerians in Diaspora have been a major force for development in the country through remittances. But beyond remittances more importantly, a need for promotion of trade and investments, innovation, knowledge and technology transfers,”she said.
She opined that it is important to ascertain why the impact of recorded huge diaspora remittances is not visible in the economy, stressing that there is need to put measures in place to ensure accountability and transparency for sustainable national growth and development.
The Oluyole Federal Constituency Representative said if properly harnessed, opportunities exist in housing, health, education, power and water.
She said: “We need to re-invent and develop strategies on how to mobilise diaspora remittances and this can be achieved by taking a que from other countries who have succeeded at it.”
The lawmaker called for development of projects to harness the potential of diaspora remittances for poverty reduction and local economic development.
“Mass housing developments, small scale industries projects and even diaspora bond if created can achieve sustainable economic growth and development for our nation, Nigeria,” Akande-Sadipe said.
She also assured Nigerians in diaspora of the House of Representatives’ support for enfranchisement of Nigerians living in the D
diaspora, adding that “we all know that the Nigerians living outside the country have as much stake in the present and future of Nigeria as those of us who live here.”
“I wish to assure our diaspora citizens of the readiness of the 9th assembly under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila to partner with all relevant stakeholders in formulating policies that represent sustainable national growth and development,” she stated.
The lawmaker advised stakeholders to view the summit as a rare opportunity to engage with each another, exchange ideas on creating a working synergy to leverage on enormous diaspora potentials in the areas of policies, projects and participation in the nation’s development.
“It is my desire that at this summit, every stakeholder would have something to cheer in the project called “Nigeria” and equally be satisfied that a new dawn in diaspora relationship for the nation is now,” she added.
