Dabiri-Erewa seeks greater unity, cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities.

By Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa,has called for greater unity, coordinated action and stronger international cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities to address shared challenges and harness their contributions to national and global development.

Dabiri-Erewa made the call while representing Nigeria at the First Muslim Diaspora Forum in Ankara, Türkiye, on the theme, “From Roots to Routes,” with Ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers and representatives from more than 47 countries in attendance.

The Forum was declared opened by the Vice President of the Republic of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.

In her presentation, entitled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa stressed that effective diaspora engagement must go beyond remittances to include knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger links with countries of origin.

She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives, and joint action against discrimination, and hate speech as key areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols (NIDCOM), highlighted NiDCOM’s efforts to provide accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promote positive narratives and counter misinformation, while also supporting Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.

She noted that diaspora contributions extend beyond remittances to medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other developmental initiatives.

The NiDCOM Boss emphasised that migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin, stressing the need to create opportunities for the diaspora to continue contributing to national development.

She said the shared needs of diaspora communities — including dignity, safety, opportunity and freedom to practise their faith — require common solutions and stronger partnerships.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa met with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan; Sayed Ahmed who heads Sudan’s diaspora organization and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of SESRIC.

The meetings focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening relationships and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.

Dabiri-Erewa stressed that the focus should not be on stopping migration, but on keeping the diaspora connected to the motherland and ensuring they continue to give back.

She added that Nigeria would strengthen international cooperation on diaspora affairs and deepen relations with participating states, while working with diaspora communities to harness their skills, knowledge, investment, culture and diplomatic influence for development.

The NIDCOM Chairman also had a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).

During the meeting, emphasis was placed on the Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB, with both sides underscoring the importance of translating the MoU into concrete and impactful programmes.

The YTB Vice President called for the identification and implementation of specific projects that Nigeria and Türkiye can jointly undertake, particularly in areas that will strengthen diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development, and bilateral cooperation.

The communique , which stressed the need to sustain the theme and gains of the summit was presented by the program liaison Ali Fahad , a Turkish Nigerian.