Abike Dabiri-Erewa, chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has announced the launch of the Home and Abroad Housing Scheme.

According to her, the initiative is aimed at making property investment in Nigeria safer and more transparent for Nigerians living abroad.

She unfolded this during the 2025 National Diaspora Day celebrations held at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja which brought together government officials, professionals, and diaspora leaders in recognition of the vital role over 20 million Nigerians living abroad play in national development.

Dabiri-Erewa  underscored the extraordinary impact of the diaspora community. “From medicine to technology, from business to politics, Nigerians in the diaspora are distinguishing themselves across the globe,” she stated.

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According to her, “Too many have fallen victim to fraud while trying to buy homes. This scheme, in partnership with First Bank and other institutions, ensures they can now invest with confidence,” Dabiri-Erewa said.

She also spoke about the introduction of a diaspora data portal, encouraging Nigerians abroad to register. “Let’s not wait until there’s a crisis. With this portal, we can easily track where our people are and what they are doing,” she explained.

Other key initiatives highlighted include:

Diaspora investment summit

Investment Summit, scheduled for November, which focuses on channelling investments into Nigeria from abroad.

Diaspora mortgage scheme in partnership with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

Diaspora cities and villages being developed across all 36 states and the FCT, in collaboration with the Federal Housing Authority.

In responding to concerns about public perception of Nigeria, Dabiri-Erewa pointed to the role of global media in shaping negative narratives.

“Western media controls the image of Africa. But we must tell our own stories. What people see when they come to Nigeria is often far better than what they’ve heard,” she asserted.

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On diaspora voting

On the matter of diaspora voting, which has been a long-standing demand among overseas Nigerians, she noted that the issue now rests with the National Assembly.

“We had several parliamentarians at the event. It’s up to them to push this forward,” she remarked.

Dabiri-Erewa also acknowledged the funding limitations facing NiDCOM, expressing hope for improved resources to build a dedicated Diaspora plaza, a central hub for engagement and networking.

Despite challenges, she maintained optimism, “The diaspora has a voice now. There’s someone to speak to. We want Nigerians abroad to return not just for the holidays, but to build, to invest, and to contribute.”

She also called for a shift in mindset from both ends. “Nigerians at home must welcome our brothers and sisters from abroad, and those returning must come with a spirit of collaboration, not superiority.”