The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) are engaged in discussions to establish a mutually beneficial partnership aimed at enhancing migration management between the two nations.
During a recent visit to NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Abike Dabiri-Erewa in Abuja, Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jamie Christoff underscored the significance of collaboration in this realm. Gabriel Odu, from the Commission’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, conveyed Christoff’s remarks in a statement.
Christoff acknowledged the substantial contributions of diaspora communities to Canada’s prosperity, noting that Nigerian diaspora ranks among the top five migrant groups and plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy. He stressed the importance of facilitating regular migration for Nigerians, highlighting the necessity for alignment between the expectations of migrants and the reality in Canada.
The Canadian envoy proposed fostering closer ties through consistent engagement with Nigerians, sharing knowledge and information to guide individuals through the process of legal migration and familiarizing them with the Canadian environment. Christoff assured that he and his team are prepared to provide support to NiDCOM, offering their expertise, time, and resources to enhance migration management.
In response, Dabiri-Erewa expressed gratitude for the visit and the proposed collaboration, citing ongoing projects between NiDCOM and Nigerian diaspora communities in Canada. She recounted her positive experiences in Canada, noting the fruitful outcomes of engagements with Nigerian groups.
Highlighting forthcoming initiatives, Dabiri-Erewa revealed plans for the Nigeria-Canadian Business Summit and Nigeria Day in Canada, aimed at facilitating impactful contributions from the diaspora in both the host country and Nigeria. She also disclosed NiDCOM’s efforts, supported by a counselor in Canada, to implement a pilot project known as the Canada Pull Factor, designed to streamline data collection on Nigerians residing in Canada in alignment with the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal.
Additionally, Dabiri-Erewa outlined various strategies employed by NiDCOM to engage with Nigerians in the diaspora, including the National Diaspora Policy, National Diaspora Day Celebration, National Diaspora Merit Award, Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, Diaspora Door of Return Festival, and Diaspora Medical Missions.
The partnership between the Canadian High Commission and NiDCOM signifies a concerted effort to enhance migration management and foster closer ties between Nigeria and Canada, leveraging the potential of diaspora communities for mutual benefit and development.
