Lagos State has unveiled its Diaspora Office, dedicated to safeguarding the interests and welfare of its citizens residing abroad.
Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit at NiDCOM, made this announcement in a press release. The initiative drew commendation from Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), who praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for spearheading this endeavor.
The primary objective of the diaspora office is to identify, coordinate, and mobilize diasporans interested in contributing to the progress and well-being of Lagos State. In a letter congratulating Governor Sanwoolu, Honorable Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that the establishment of this office would foster stronger bonds and accelerate development both within the state and among its diaspora community.
She pointed out that Lagos State has now joined other states like Abia, which already boasts a diaspora commission. Additionally, she highlighted the progress of Ondo and Anambra, where full Commissioners for Diaspora have been appointed, while Edo and Cross Rivers are in the process of setting up their diaspora agencies. Dabiri-Erewa stressed the importance of prioritizing diaspora affairs in every state, noting that diasporans possess valuable skills and resources to contribute to both state and national development.
Honorable Dabiri-Erewa extended her congratulations to Governor Sanwo-Olu and Jermaine Sanwoolu, the designated State Diaspora Focal Person who will lead the newly established agency.
The initiative in Lagos follows in the footsteps of Abia State, which became the pioneer state in Nigeria to establish its diaspora commission in 2021. Honorable Abike Dabiri-Erewa praised Abia State’s historic achievement in passing the bill establishing the Abians in Diaspora Commission. The bill, sponsored by Honorable Onyekwere Mike Ukoha and known as H.A.B. 21, officially became law, titled “The Abians in Diaspora Commission Law,” on March 22, 2021.
Presently, Ondo, Anambra, Cross Rivers, and Edo states are in the process of establishing their own diaspora offices, following the example set by Lagos and Abia
