Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, has expressed the need to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to boost Diaspora investments in the country.
Speaking during a courtesy call by the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the minister said she would create a full department called “Catalytic Investment Unit” in the ministry to accommodate all Diaspora related matters.
The minister commended NiDCOM for partnering with the private sector-led Nigerian Diaspora Summit Initiative (NDSI) to organise the Nigerian Diaspora Investment summit, which has provided a platform for Nigerians who want to invest.
She said the ministry would synergise with NiDCOM and NDSI to make the summit even stronger in-line with the ministry’s investment initiatives and policies.
The minister said: “I have been charged by Mr President to look for inward investment into the country. NiDCOM has saved me from starting from the scratch.” We will build on your platform and work together.”
Uzoka-Anite described the Diaspora as a great potential for investment who are passionate about their country and willing to invest without too many conditions or demands.
The minister added that the ministry can support Diaspora Investment by designing and creating different investment channels, negotiating long term investment opportunities, propose removal of taxes on dividends and provide extra security arrangement on Diaspora investment and even work together to push bills to be sponsored by the National Assembly.
Earlier, Dabiri-Erewa had called for more synergy between the commission and the ministry to enhance Diaspora direct investment.
The NiDCOM boss used the opportunity to brief the Minister on the NDIS, which had been hosted in Abuja six times.
“We have some requests which include creating incentives for the Diaspora coming back home to invest, partnering to implement the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund and establishing a Diaspora Desk in the Ministry” Dabiri-Erewa said.
