By Ebi Kesiena
Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has pledged to collaborate more strategically with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, Europe, (NIDOE) to upscale Foreign Direct Investment particularly with the Russian Federation.
Dabiri-Erewa stated this when she received the Continental Chairman of NIDO, Europe, Dr Bashir Obasekola and the Chairman NIDO, Russia Chapter Mr Uwem-Edimo Sampson in Abuja.
In a Media release by Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Gabriel Odu, noted that the delighted NiDCOM Boss was impressed with the steps taken by the NiDO Russia so far to drive investment back home and propel the growth of the economy.
She added that her office is ready to engage the Nigerian Diaspora for human capital development.
Speaking on the issue of Diaspora Voting, she expressed optimism that “I know Diaspora Voting will happen in the nearest future”.
Responding, Mr Uwem-Edimo Sampson, Chairman NIDO, Russia, called for the need to create inter- banking system between Nigeria and Russia to improve trade exchanges between the two countries.
Uwem-Edimo said giving the statistics of 2021, Russia imported Cocoa worth 1.4 billion dollars and the major supplier was Germany, insisting that Russia can trade directly with Nigeria and not through third party given the fact that Nigeria ranks fourth, out of countries producing cocoa globally.
He further said, NiDO Russia chapter are encouraging Russia business owners to trade directly with Nigeria and not through other countries, so as to galvanise the economy.
Also speaking, Dr Bashir Obasekola the NiDO Europe Continental Chairman stated that NiDO is delighted to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, (NIDCOM) to engage home land development and promote good image of the country.
According to Dr Obasekola it is time for the Nigerians in Diaspora to think home and invest positively in Nigeria, adding that NIDCOM has provided the link and platform for a robust Diaspora engagement for various missions back home be it medical, charity and investment.
The Meeting also dovetailed to the new currency swap issue, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria to put necessary mechanisms in place to ensure that Nigerians in Diaspora are considered in the currency swap by extending deadline and making the new notes available to Nigerians in the Diaspora who also have old naira notes to swap.
