Tuggar Applauds Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s Bold Leadership in Driving FG’s 4Ds Agenda

According to Ireporter Online, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has commended the leadership of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for her outstanding role in advancing the Federal Government’s “4Ds” agenda — Development, Democracy, Demography, and Diaspora.

The commendation came during a strategic working visit to NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, where Tuggar praised Dabiri-Erewa for initiating innovative programmes that strengthen connections between Nigerians abroad and opportunities at home, while enhancing Nigeria’s image globally.

He described the 4Ds framework as a comprehensive blueprint to address Africa’s pressing challenges — from fortifying democratic institutions and driving industrial growth for economic and food security, to harnessing demographic potential through strategic partnerships. He stressed that the Nigerian diaspora is a vital component of this vision, not merely as remittance senders, but as investors, innovators, and global ambassadors.

Tuggar also underscored the importance of continuous dialogue with Nigerians abroad to dispel misconceptions, highlight national progress, and encourage younger generations in the diaspora to invest in the country, drawing parallels with India’s “Neo India” initiative as an example of effective diaspora engagement.

In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa outlined NiDCOM’s achievements, including National Diaspora Day and the National Diaspora Merit Awards, the National Diaspora Policy, the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, diaspora housing schemes, the establishment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers in all 36 states, and events such as the Badagry Door of Return Festival and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit. She highlighted the impact of diaspora-led medical missions, philanthropy, and investments, while calling for more diaspora desks in government agencies, improved work structures, and increased funding to sustain the commission’s objectives.

She also expressed gratitude to Tuggar for swift interventions during evacuations from Ghana and the Central African Republic, noting that such actions have safeguarded Nigerians abroad and bolstered the country’s global reputation.