Michael Olugbode in Abuja
The Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Jamie Christoff, has emphasised the need to partner the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for a mutually beneficial cxaxaollaboration with regards to migration management between the two countries.
The Canadian envoy stated this during a visit to NiDCOM Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja.
He said: “I understand the impact of large diaspora groups and their contributions in Canada. Nigeria diaspora is among our top five migrant groups and also a central pillar in Nigeria’s economy. It is important for us to help these Nigerians migrate regularly.”
Christoff added that there is a need for the two to synergise and breach the gap in expectations of Nigerians, especially those going with the best intentions so as to showcase the best of Nigeria.
The envoy said: “This can be achieved through regular engagements with Nigerians, knowledge and information sharing on the right steps to regular migration and what to expect in Canada.”
According to the High Commissioner, together with his team, they are ready to support the commission with opportunities, time and expertise to achieve a better managed migration.
Meanwhile, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa, while receiving the delegation, expressed her appreciation for the visit and the offer of partnerships revealing some on-going projects of the commission with the Nigerian Diasporas in Canada.
She recalled her experience in Canada when she met with the Nigerian groups and many positive developments that emerged from the engagements.
The NiDCOM boss said: “This year, we will be hosting the Nigeria-Canadian Business Summit in Canada and also the Nigerian Day, to bring together this large diaspora group to navigate ways to make impact both in the host country and back home.”
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that there are lots of opportunities both countries can leverage on, adding that the commission, with the support of a Councillor in Canada, is working on a Canada Pull Factor as a pilot project to harmonise the data of Nigerians in Canada in line with the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal.
She also highlighted other strategies put in place by the commission to engage with Nigerians in Diaspora such as the National Diaspora Policy, the National Diaspora Day Celebration/ the National Diaspora Merit Award, the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, the Diaspora Door of Return Festival, and Diaspora Medical Missions among others.
