Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Act (Amendment) Bill

An Act expands the mandate and funding of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. It targets Nigerians abroad and their organisations to mobilise investments and skills for development. This increases remittances and fosters knowledge exchange.

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Act (Amendment) Bill Policy Overview

What Is This Policy?

An amendment to expand the mandate, funding, and operational capacity of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to better mobilise the Nigerian diaspora's skills, investments, and philanthropy for national development.

Who Does It Target?

Nigerians living and working abroad (estimated 17 million globally) Nigerian diaspora organisations and professional associations Foreign investors of Nigerian heritage Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and NiDCOM

What Does It Aim to Achieve?

Increase diaspora remittances from $20 billion to $30 billion annually by 2027 Create formal investment channels for diaspora capital in Nigeria Facilitate skills transfer and knowledge exchange from diaspora professionals Strengthen diaspora voting rights and political participation frameworks

Key Features

Current Status

Funding: Federal Government budget; diaspora levy contributions; investment returns from diaspora fund

How to Access

Diaspora Nigerians register with NiDCOM for services, investment opportunities, and skills programmes. Requirements: Nigerian citizenship (current or heritage) Valid Nigerian passport or proof of Nigerian origin NIN registration (mandatory from 2025 for diaspora) Application method: NiDCOM portal: www.nidcom.gov.ng | Nigerian embassies and consulates globally

Important Terms

Diaspora bonds are government-backed with competitive returns; minimum investment threshold applies Skills mobility participants commit to a minimum 3-month engagement period Dual citizenship implications vary by country of residence — consult NiDCOM for advice

Impact & Metrics

Nigeria is Africa's top remittance recipient at $20 billion annually; this amendment targets a 50% increase through formalised investment channels and enhanced diaspora engagement.

Official Resources

Website: www.nidcom.gov.ng Contact: NiDCOM — [email protected] | Ministry of Foreign Affairs — [email protected] Federal Republic of Nigeria — Policy Summary Document | March 2026

Legal Framework

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Act (Amendment) Bill operates under the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (Establishment) Act 2017 and aligns with the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 on diaspora remittances, the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Act, and the Nigeria Startup Act 2022 for diaspora tech investments. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) framework on migration and development and Nigeria's bilateral labour migration agreements provide the international context.