The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has unveiled plans to introduce a new housing initiative aimed at providing Nigerians living abroad with secure access to real estate investment opportunities in the country.The initiative known as the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform would be officially launched during this year’s National Diaspora Day celebrations, scheduled for Friday in Abuja.At a press conference held in Abuja, NiDCOM Chairman Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the platform as a long-overdue response to persistent challenges faced by millions of Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to invest in property back home.“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,’ is more than a conversation starter. It is a national imperative.”It challenges us to move beyond rhetoric and act with clear purpose in harnessing the full value of our over 20 million-diaspora-community globally.“This year’s celebration is both a renewed commitment and an elevated platform.“It is about building a Nigeria where our diaspora community is seen, heard and harnessed; not just celebrated occasionally, but embedded structurally.“We are going to launch the Diaspora Home and Abroad platform. This will be the highlight of this year’s event.“This is a platform that makes it possible for the Diaspora to be able to own their homes.“Diasporas will no longer be duped as long as they use the platform,” the chairman stated.She cited recent data which shows that remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20bn in 2024, surpassing foreign direct investment.“In 2024 alone, remittances from Nigerians abroad exceeded $20 billion, surpassing foreign direct investment.“But beyond these figures lies an armory of knowledge, skills, networks, and goodwill; resources which, if strategically engaged, can catalyse transformative development across all regions of our country,” Dabiri said.The chairman highlighted the commission’s progress in integrating diaspora voices into national development planning, including the deployment of State Diaspora Focal Point Officers, the National Diaspora Policy, and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit.“The engagement is no longer theoretical, but feasible, practical and impactful,” Dabiri-Erewa noted.The event will include both in-person and virtual participation, welcoming Nigerians from across the globe.She called on stakeholders, diaspora members, government agencies, private sector partners, and the media, to participate fully in this year’s celebration.“Let this year not be remembered merely for banners and speeches, but for the bridges we build and the futures we unlock,” Dabiri-Erewa stated.The commission also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, for his continued support for diaspora engagement, and to all partners working with NiDCOM to enhance the global impact of Nigeria’s diaspora community.
