National Diaspora Policy (2020)

What Is This Policy?

The National Diaspora Policy establishes Nigeria's framework for engaging, mobilising, and retaining the contributions of Nigerians living abroad. It covers remittances, investment, skills transfer, civic participation, and the welfare of Nigerians overseas, positioning the diaspora as Nigeria's 27th state and a development partner in its own right.

Who Does It Target?

Estimated 17 to 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora across North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa Diaspora professionals, investors, academics, and entrepreneurs with skills and capital to invest in Nigeria Nigerian students abroad and their pathway back to contributing to national development Recipient households in Nigeria dependent on remittance flows for daily consumption and investment

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Grow diaspora remittances from $24 billion (2022) to $30 billion annually by 2025 by reducing transfer costs below the 3% SDG target Channel diaspora investment into Nigeria's priority sectors through dedicated investment vehicles: Diaspora Bonds, NIDCOM Investment Platform, and state diaspora desks Facilitate the return of diaspora professionals through reverse brain drain incentives, recognition of foreign qualifications, and returnee enterprise support Protect and support Nigerians abroad, particularly undocumented migrants, victims of trafficking, and students in distress

Key Features

NiDCOM: The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is the primary agency for diaspora engagement, welfare, and investment facilitation Diaspora Bond: FGN Diaspora Bond allows Nigerians abroad to invest in Nigeria's development through sovereign debt instruments with competitive dollar-denominated returns Remittance Cost Reduction: Nigeria advocates at G20 and African Union for a 3% remittance cost target; current average cost is approximately 4 to 5% per transaction Returnee Incentive Framework: Tax reliefs, qualification recognition, and priority consideration for public sector appointments for Nigerians returning with skills needed in specific sectors Diaspora Desk Network: NiDCOM has diaspora investment desks in all 36 states and FCT to connect diaspora investors with state-level opportunities Diaspora Voter Participation: Policy supports diaspora voting rights, currently under constitutional review, to give Nigerians abroad a stake in national governance

Current Status

Active and being implemented. The National Diaspora Policy (2020) is being implemented by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) established in 2019.

Legal Framework

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act 2017; Investment and Securities Act; Foreign Exchange (Monitoring and Miscellaneous Provisions) Act; CBN Foreign Remittance Guidelines