Good morning, msjoe,
Below is the intervention from General Williams:
<<Dear All,I hope when we talk about Elections,we must also think about the escalating costs of the Exercises.
For those Guber elections so far,each costs about 700million NAIRA EACH LESS THE COSTS OF ALLOWANCES FOR THE SECURITY AGENCIES.
IN 2019,the costs will run into Billions of Naira because as with everything we do we use every opportunity to share the loot by overmanning of positions etc.
When you then add voting by Diasporans,the costs is in Foreign Exchange and experience with Mexico has shown that over time,most of their citizens do not care anymore.
IN FACT,WHY SHOULD YOU VOTE WITHOUT PAYING TAXES IN NIGERIA?
IS IT BY REMITTANCES ONLY AND HOW MUCH?
CAN WE DISQUALIFY THOSE WHO NEITHER REMIT NOR PAY TAXES?
With our elections,we must cut down on the Costs of Elections by letting States do their own Guber as they do with LGs. There will be initial complaints,but they will be overcome over time.There are many other ways of we must cut down COSTS.
Secondly,part of the corruption in Polity is looting public treasury for campaign funding.We must find ways of enforcing the existing appropriate laws.
Finally,countries with similar problems like ours have Permanent Federal and State electoral Courts with Appeal Courts(last stop) to try all forms of Electoral Offences fast, within limited period in accordance with the law.
WE need to act before 2019 as elections have become Battles and wars in Nigeria with huge waste of fund.
Do we beg for overseas loans and grants for 2019 Elections?
Inquiring Minds(PastorJ) while shaking heads(a la VC Aluko) want to know before mid-2017.iw in obodo oyibo where elections are run by Home Office Civil Servants with no brouhaha in a nation of integrity.>>
In NOT responding, you wrote about FOUR PAGES which totally ignored the points made by General Williams. Your caveat that there is nothing personal about your contesting his opinion is a regular ruse by persons who have personal beefs to cover same up in bogus cloaks of objectivity and scientific transparency - forgetting that data is not just data without perspective.
I have not responded to your post, because I think you need to take a second look at the post by General Williams, and ask yourself whether the vituperation heaped on him is deserved.
Have a wonderful day.
Ire o.
Tunde.
--------------------------------------------
On Tue, 6/12/16, msjoe21st via USA Africa Dialogue Series <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com> wrote:
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - GEN. ISHOLA WILLIAMS' OPPOSITION TO NIGERIAN DIASPORA VOTING RIGHTS IS FLAWED AND FUTILE
To: NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com, africanworldforum@googlegroups.com, usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com, naijaobserver@yahoogroups.com
Cc: naijaintellects@googlegroups.com, OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com, nigerianID@yahoogroups.com, nidan-group@googlegroups.com, ekitipanupo@yahoogroups.com, YanArewa@yahoogroups.com, nigeriaworldforum@yahoogroups.com, Raayiriga@yahoogroups.com, igboevents@yahoogroups.com, Camnetwork@yahoogroups.com, kenya-diaspora@yahoogroups.com, talknigeria@yahoogrouops.com, Africans_Without_Borders@yahoogroups.com, Africanid@yahoogroups.com, cameroonforum@yahoogroups.com
Date: Tuesday, 6 December, 2016, 11:37
http://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-to-have-diaspora-policy-soon/
KUDOS!!!!
Diaspora Vote is a trend, not an exception.
I respect the General.
Like anyone, he is entitled to his views. As
advocates on any issue, we can agree to disagree; nothing
personal. For example,
General Ishola
Williams
believes North Africa should not be a vital part of AU. I
vehemently disagree. So mutual disagreement raises no
eyebrow.
Considering
his own activities, dare I say, it is very disingenuous
for the General to question the constitutional right of
Nigerians in the Diaspora, which has been decided by the
court. Same will apply to any Member State population.
At least on face value, General Williams champions Global Diaspora with
ideas such as
Secretariat
in Brazil, global lawmakers around the world, etc.
Ordinarily, it is safe to assume he means to forge greater
relations between nationals in the Caribbean, South
America, USA, Europe and elsewhere with Africa. How he can
manage to genuinely identify with the intent of those who
express interest in Africa while negating the uncontested
rights of his fellow Nigerian citizens living in the
Diaspora is an inescapable bundle of contradiction. It is
astonishingly devoid of principles.
It brings us to the brand of "African Diaspora"
that the General and like minds promote, which can only be
theoretically advanced
through
an exceptional high level of organized confusion that is
amplified by vagueness - in terms of legal implementation
in any polity. The evidence of the organized confusion?
Nothing ever comes out of it, whether it White Paper or
Memorandum. The ideas are invariably unimplemented.
You don't get a paper from somewhere and take to a
sovereign government and say you have the right to decide
these things. A lot of people who are even remotely sane
are disinterested in what sounds like a broken ancient
grama-phone.
Change is constant. But instead of being open to new ideas
and practical applications, they may cloud the issue and
engage in psychological roundabouts that have proved to
be as impractical as they are demographically incoherent,
legally prohibitive, hysterical and, ultimately,
unproductive.
That's why the General's views caught my attention.
The kind of Diaspora stuff he is doing has no impact in the
Nigerian Diaspora community, which is more organized through
self-designed discernible networks, as most Diaspora
communities. Among development institutions, the Diaspora is
used as a descriptive and analytical category based on
encompassing characteristics such as an interactive
transnational relationship with both country of origin and
host country, now conceptualized as new Diaspora
(Grassmuck 2000). The analytical definition highlights
structures and patterns of contacts and networks more
accurately and systematic analysis of Diaspora geopolitics
(Sheffer 2006). All governments, including the US, the
Caribbean and Latin American countries, use the analytical
approach to engage their Diaspora, including in
determining voting facilities.
Further, citizen has no obligation to belong to any network
to exercise his or her constitutional right.
It remains unclear how projecting an indistinguishable
population without legal relationship to African nations,
makes any iota of sense in terms of enforceable policy and
measurable development. In what technically overrides the exercises in
futility, the AU
defers Diaspora matters to Member States to define and
engage. By the way, it is a sovereign
rights. Diaspora engagements predate the AU.
It brings us to the rights in question. I don't know
when the good General retired; whether he was in the Abacha
regime with Diya, the Chief of Staff; Jerry
"Boy" Useni or and earlier regime. But what I
know is that some of the names mentioned in the article paid
their dues in shaping Nigerian Diaspora since those earlier
days. Whether they disagree or agree, the patriotism of
Nigerians is not in question. When we marched on the
streets, when I wrote articles, I was proud to be among
dignified people with a self-assured identity and whose
cultural resilience carried the day. There has never
Yoruba, Hausa or Igbo in great moment of need and
understanding. For example, we used to meet at the former
Ambassador Kazuare residence when the polarity would have
torn apart harmony. Nobody questioned even me why I was
there. I can testify that this proud and illustrious
African population from Nigeria has the right to actualize
its Vote! and Nigeria will be better off with the added
value.
Now if the General came much later, he can simply
respect the fact that based
on the adopted position by all Member States, each is
expected to establish a Diaspora Office and Diaspora
policies
to integrate its population in national development
framework. Incentives are commonly used to attain mutual
goals. These are also reflected in regional developments.
Dual citizenship and voting rights are increasingly applied
in Diaspora communities. There
is a marked difference between a right and a
process, which may require resources, methods and timeline.
For example, Kenyan
Diaspora sued for their voting rights and won in the
supreme court.
Kenyan Diaspora will be voting in 2017. Arguments,
negotiations, consultations over methods normal.
Nigerian Diaspora sued and won.
The constitutional question is settled. It a matter of
applying the law.
Whether there are resources is a different matter, which
does not obliterate the law.
The General is out of order: There is no
Nigerian constitution that requires
tax payment as condition to vote. If the General
wants, he can go and argue with Aso Rock and the Senate on
why they voted to issue and double
the issuance of the Nigerian
Diaspora Sovereign Bond, too. The revenue stream is a
domestic resource and testament to the confidence in
Nigerian Diaspora to step up to the national plate and
platform.
Challenging the constitutional right of his fellow
citizens in the Diaspora who constitute a defined population
within a legal and political construct that is recognized by
the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international bodies in
all jurisdictions only suggests that the General is behind
times. The dynamics of constituency can influence trends.
Interestingly, he cites no example, among ample of cases,
where Diaspora voting rights work. In his watering down of
Mexico, he is even incorrect. The last Mexico election was
in 2012 (Mexican Diaspora voted) and the next is in 2018. In
2000, former Mexican President Vincente Fox campaigned
in California, and declared that he would be the first
president "to govern for 118 million Mexicans"
in which he included 100 million in Mexico and 18 million
living outside the country.
In 2012, Dominican Diaspora accounted for 5% of
the 6.5 million voters who lived in the Diaspora.
Did the countries declare a corrupt free
nation before they figured out the methods of Diaspora
voting? The General is jiving with red herring - injecting
irrelevant sensation to divert
attention from the point.
https://www.overseasvotefoundation.org/files/Diasporas_Represented_in_their_Home_Country_Parliaments.pdf
In three examples, AU Member States include Diaspora
residents in their legislatures:
Algeria has 8 seats reserved in the parliament for
Diaspora representatives.
Cape Verde has three Diaspora districts - one district for
voters residing in Africa, another for those residing in the
Americas, and another for those living in Europe and the
rest of the world;
Mozambicans living in other countries in Africa make up the
electoral district for Africa while those living in European
countries make up another district for which representatives
are elected.
If the General harbor reservations about the expenses, the
worry has not been enough for him to suppress his support
for activities that have resulted in wasteful cost by the AU
and other governments. Remember, Nigeria is a top
tier contributor.
While the General may muse about remittances, an estimated
$40 billion dollars flow from Nigerian Diaspora to the
Nigerian economy considering that only half of the amount
goes through official sources - based on the estimate of
researchers. Direct investments and philanthropic
contributions by hometown organizations are not included.
Those who promote specious Diaspora ideas do not like
research. But I should remind the General that ECOWAS
Diaspora has gradually become a major source of financing
for development in West Africa, and Nigerian Diaspora leads
in the region in remittances that have registered average
annual growth of 5% per year since 2005. Since 2006, the
amount exceeded the total Official Development Assistance
received by the 15 countries in the region. You can check
the source below:
Diaspora and Development in West Africa: By
James Wahome and Maxime Weigertn collaboration with Ismael
Mahamoud, Robert Masumbuko and Andre Okou. Page 18.
Published by the African Development Bank.
I will
close by providing evidence that Diaspora policies by Member
States are realities and identical in definition, scope
and content.
http://malawinewsnow.com/2016/02/malawi-develop-national-diaspora-policy-says-foreign-affairs-minister/
http://diasporamatters.com/new/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/National-Diaspora-Engagement-Policy-DRAFT.pdf
http://conta.cc/2h93woL
Kenya Diaspora Homecoming.
.
Cheers,
MsJoe
From: 'ishola williams' via
AfricanWorldForum [mailto:africanworldforum@googlegroups.com]
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2016 7:28 AM
To: africanworldforum@googlegroups.com;
USAAfrica Dialogue <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Naijaintellects <naijaintellects@googlegroups.com>;
Odua <OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>;
nigerianID@yahoogroups.com;
NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com;
NiDAN <nidan-group@googlegroups.com>;
ekiti ekitigroups <ekitipanupo@yahoogroups.com>;
Yan Arewa <YanArewa@yahoogroups.com>;
nigeriaworldforum@yahoogroups.com;
Ra'ayi Riga <Raayiriga@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [africanworldforum] NEWS About Diaspora
Policy Document { Re: STAR DRAFT: Final Draft of
Nigeria's National Polic...
Dear All,I hope
when we talk about Elections,we must also think about the
escalating costs of the Exercises.
For those Guber
elections so far,each costs about 700million NAIRA EACH LESS
THE COSTS OF ALLOWANCES FOR THE SECURITY
AGENCIES.
IN 2019,the costs
will run into Billions of Naira because as with everything
we do we use every opportunity to share the loot by
overmanning of positions etc.
When you then add
voting by Diasporans,the costs is in Foreign Exchange and
experience with Mexico has shown that over time,most of
their citizens do not care anymore.
IN FACT,WHY SHOULD
YOU VOTE WITHOUT PAYING TAXES IN NIGERIA?
IS IT BY
REMITTANCES ONLY AND HOW MUCH?
CAN WE DISQUALIFY
THOSE WHO NEITHER REMIT NOR PAY TAXES?
With our
elections,we must cut down on the Costs of Elections by
letting States do their own Guber as they do with LGs. There
will be initial complaints,but they will be overcome over
time.There are many other ways of we must cut down
COSTS.
Secondly,part of
the corruption in Polity is looting public treasury for
campaign funding.We must find ways of enforcing the existing
appropriate laws.
Finally,countries
with similar problems like ours have Permanent Federal and
State electoral Courts with Appeal Courts(last stop) to try
all forms of Electoral Offences fast, within limited period
in accordance with the law.
WE need to act
before 2019 as elections have become Battles and wars in
Nigeria with huge waste of fund.
Do we beg for
overseas loans and grants for 2019 Elections?
Inquiring
Minds(PastorJ) while shaking heads(a la VC Aluko) want to
know before mid-2017.iw in obodo oyibo where elections are
run by Home Office Civil Servants with no brouhaha in a
nation of integrity.
Ishola Williams
Maj-Gen. (Rtd)
E-mail: isholawilliams@yahoo.com
isholawililams@gmail.com
panafstraginternational@yahoo.com
08056210960
website: www.panafstrag.org
On
Monday, December 5, 2016 6:54 AM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com>
wrote:
1. THE
GUARDIAN: Nigeria to have diaspora
policy soon
2. The
Nation; FG supports diaspora voting ahead of
2019
http://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-to-have-diaspora-policy-soon/
THE
GUARDIAN
Nigeria to have diaspora policy
soon
By Editor | 05 December
2016
Nigeria has begun
the process of joining the league of countries with national
diaspora policies following the setting up of a technical
team saddled with the task of coming up with final draft
of the policy in January 2017.
This was the
resolution of stakeholders after a seven –hour validation
seminar in Abuja on the 68-page draft policy jointly
organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of
the Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs
and Diaspora.
Declaring the
seminar open, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey
Onyeama said there was the need to promote the capacity of
Nigerians abroad so as to benefit from the "immense
potential of the diaspora.''
Onyeama, who was
represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb.
Sola Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government would support
all efforts to ensure the inclusion of Nigerians abroad in
future elections
He added that
enhanced inclusion of Nigerians abroad in the voting process
would support their contributions to national development;
hence such policy that would see to their empowerment should
be hastened up.
"Many of them
(Diaspora) are deeply concerned about the situation in the
country and have critical skills and potential that could be
harnessed to solving Nigeria's sociology-economic
challenges "The ministry, therefore, is sharpening its
in-house resources to effectively harness the potential of
Nigerians wherever they are based'', Onyeama
said.
In
his key note speech, Prof George Obiozor, former Nigerian
Ambassador to the United States of America and Director-
General, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA)
said the time for a national policy on Diaspora has
come.
"National Policy
on Diaspora matters would expedite the integration and
coordination of the skills and resources of Nigerians living
abroad for the general development of the country'', he
said.
Obiozor said the policy has worked successfully for other
developing nations, urging the Federal government to
expedite action on it as it would assist in harnessing
enormous national resources of her Diasporas.
Both Chairpersons
Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Monsurat
Sunmonu and Rose Oko respectively pledged legislative
support, such as passage of the Diaspora Commission Bill and
amendment of relevant laws to support diaspora voting
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on
Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also
emphasised the need to have a national diaspora policy,
saying a number of African countries already ahead of
Nigeria in that regard.
"We cannot ignore our diaspora; when Ireland went into
recession they reached out to their diaspora community and
one thousand of them saved the country from recession. Now
that Nigeria is going through challenges, we cannot have
this enormous human resource and not engage with them'',
she said. She urged all Nigerians home and abroad to
contribute to the final draft of the policy as a technical
committee would be set up to work on the recommendations
agreed on and come up with an action plan for
implementation.
Goodwill messages
were received from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High
Commissioner of Cameroon, Amb. Salaheddine Ibrahima, Amb.
Joe Keshi, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Dr Senayon Olaoluwa from University of Ibadan, Prof
Bolaji Aluko, Dr Rotimi Jayesinmi, Mr Hubert Sheyen and Mr
Ibrahim Dauda of Nigeria in the Diaspora Organizations
(NIDO).
Stakeholders at the
event include representatives of various diaspora groups,
Ministry Departments and Agencies such as EFCC, National
Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Immigration
Service, Nigerian Customs Service amongst
others.
The principal
objective of the Policy is to effectively leverage on the
resources and technical knowledge of Nigerians in the
Diaspora to contribute effectively to national
development.
----
http://thenationonlineng.net/fg-supports-diaspora-voting-ahead-of-2019/
THE
NATION
FG supports diaspora voting ahead
of 2019
Posted By: Groupon: December 01, 2016
The Federal Government has said it
would support "any'' mechanism to ensure the inclusion
of Nigerians abroad in future elections.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mr Geoffrey Onyeama said this at a seminar on the validation
of proposed "National Policy on Diaspora Matters'' in
Abuja on Thursday.
Onyeama was represented by the
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Sola
Enikanolaiye.
The minister said there was the
need to promote the capacity of Nigerians abroad to achieve
the "immense potential of the diaspora''.
He
added that enhanced inclusion of Nigerians abroad in the
voting process would support their contributions to national
development.
"This is for the socio-political
and economic development of the nation.
"In addition, the empowerment of
Nigerians in the Diaspora as change agents for national
development should be speedily scaled up.
"On our part, we deeply support
any mechanism for the inclusion of Nigerian Diaspora to
participate in future elections,'' he said.
He
urged that the challenges impeding the effectiveness of
Nigerians abroad should be considered.
"Many of them (Diaspora) are
deeply concerned about the situation in the country and have
critical skills and potential that could be harnessed to
solving Nigeria's sociology-economic
challenges.
"What has been lacking is the
mechanism of effective engagement and interface with the
government, with a view to ensuring that our country reaps
fully the benefits of this engagement.
"The ministry, therefore,
sharpening its in-house resources to effectively harness the
potential of Nigerians wherever they are
based.''
The Chairman, Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu said that the
committee was in touch with the Independent National
Electoral Committee on Diaspora voting.
Sunmonu added that efforts were
being made by the committee to promote opportunities for
Nigerians abroad to participate in future
elections.
She reiterated that Nigerians had
"huge potential if properly harnessed would contribute to
the development of the country''.
The Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Foreign Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa
also emphasised the need to strengthen the diaspora
policy.
Dabiri-Erewa said that the
development of a viable policy would address the concerns of
Nigerians abroad.
"We cannot ignore our diaspora;
when Ireland went into recession they reached out to their
diaspora community and one thousand of them saved the
country from recession.
"Now that Nigeria is going
through challenges, we cannot have this enormous human
resource and not engage with them.
"We are working on the diaspora
policy today; with the document, we have identified a few
challenges impeding the effective contributions of Nigerians
in the diaspora.
"We do not have an accurate
database of Nigerians in the diaspora; there is the lack of
an enabling environment, bilateral agreements on avoidance
of double taxation, and integrated framework for Nigerians
in the diaspora.
"Let us have a policy that we
will be proud of.''
She said that a technical
committee would be set up to work on the recommendations
agreed on and come up with an action plan for
implementation.
Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised that
the passing into law of the Diaspora Commission Bill would
facilitate the realisation of a commission that would
address diaspora matters.
"The eighth assembly has taken
it up, the house has passed it, we are waiting on the Senate
to pass it and it has assured that it will
pass.
"It is going to be a one-stop
agency to deal with diaspora matters, domiciled in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,'' she said.
On Fri, Dec 2, 2016
at 12:00 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com>
wrote:
IBK:
If these detractors
of the Policy Document cannot read the entire document, at
least they can read the Foreword, to understand that no
rational person or government can expect even a quarter of
the estimated 12 - 17 million estimated Diasporans of
Nigerian descent to return home BEFORE they can contribute
to the development of Nigeria. This is a call for
PARTNERSHIP with Nigerians at home, both to Diasporans of
Nigerian descent and to Historic African Diaspora (HAD) who
wish to identify with Nigeria - come help develop Nigeria
while we also help in any way to make your stay abroad
better, if that is what you wish.
QUOTE
At another level, the policy recognizes, among
others, that development between a homeland state and its
Diaspora is not one dimensional. The Nigerian Government
therefore recognizes that while collaborating with its
Diaspora for the attainment of national developmental goals,
it will also facilitate a collaboration framework that would
translate into simultaneous benefits for its Diaspora. Thus,
the Nigerian Government reads the relationship as mutually
beneficial.
The policy also recognizes that during emergencies,
Diaspora women and children are peculiarly vulnerable. In
line with this, the policy acknowledges the need to develop
a framework to cater to such peculiar needs during moments
of emergencies and distress. The policy also endorses a
practical step towards the recognition of Diaspora through
the establishment of a National Diaspora Village (really modified into a Diaspora
Housing (Loan) Scheme - both National and state-based -
not a Village with a single address in (say) Abuja as
previously conceived) as well as the
creation of a Diaspora category in the National Award
Programme.
To Lead You Must be a
Servant
-----Original
Message-----
From: 'gukaegbu' gukaegbu@comcast.net
[NIgerianWorldForum]
<NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>
To: africanworldforum
<africanworldforum@googlegroups.com>; 'USAAfrica
Dialogue' <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>
Cc: 'Naijaintellects'
<naijaintellects@googlegroups.com>; 'Odua'
<OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>; nigerianID
<nigerianID@yahoogroups.com>; NIgerianWorldForum
<NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com>; 'NiDAN'
<nidan-group@googlegroups.com>; 'ekiti
ekitigroups' <ekitipanupo@yahoogroups.com>;
'Yan Arewa' <YanArewa@yahoogroups.com>;
nigeriaworldforum <nigeriaworldforum@yahoogroups.com>;
'Ra'ayi Riga' <Raayiriga@yahoogroups.com>;
'Yahoo! Inc.' <igboevents@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Mon, Dec 5, 2016 9:30 pm
Subject: [NIgerianWorldForum] RE: [africanworldforum] NEWS
About Diaspora Policy Document { Re: STAR DRAFT: Final Draft
of Nigeria's National Polic...
Taste of the pudding is in the
eating. Looks like the policy is going to happen, we hope it
is implemented properly.
Which means there will be Diaspora
Coordinator/Envoy/Liaison/Maharaja (a new position from the
Diaspora) who will cross-walk Diasporan needs/voices/input
with the Minister of External Affairs, the custodian of the
Diaspora Policy.
Will the position be an
appointment or an election where Diaspora Constituency
elects the person from amongst themselves.
Either way, precedents and
antecedents matter. People will be vetted relative to how
they have acted in pushing diasporic matters, and not how
they have assumed and chosen to act as agents of the current
administration.
The hope is that the Diaspora will
have a strong voice in choosing the Cat that will represent
them.
Nothing short of that is
fair.
An imposition from Abuja will ice
the policy in the cradle.
So much will be riding on that
tire given that we are talking a host of issues including
voting, taxation, employment, and however else
"contribution" is and will be defined.
Do it right, is what I'm
saying.
*ezekwe*
From: 'ishola williams' via
AfricanWorldForum [mailto:africanworldforum@googlegroups.com]
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2016 7:28 AM
To: africanworldforum@googlegroups.com;
USAAfrica Dialogue <usaafricadialogue@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Naijaintellects <naijaintellects@googlegroups.com>;
Odua <OmoOdua@yahoogroups.com>;
nigerianID@yahoogroups.com;
NIgerianWorldForum@yahoogroups.com;
NiDAN <nidan-group@googlegroups.com>;
ekiti ekitigroups <ekitipanupo@yahoogroups.com>;
Yan Arewa <YanArewa@yahoogroups.com>;
nigeriaworldforum@yahoogroups.com;
Ra'ayi Riga <Raayiriga@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: [africanworldforum] NEWS About Diaspora
Policy Document { Re: STAR DRAFT: Final Draft of
Nigeria's National Polic...
Dear All,I hope
when we talk about Elections,we must also think about the
escalating costs of the Exercises.
For those Guber
elections so far,each costs about 700million NAIRA EACH LESS
THE COSTS OF ALLOWANCES FOR THE SECURITY
AGENCIES.
IN 2019,the costs
will run into Billions of Naira because as with everything
we do we use every opportunity to share the loot by
overmanning of positions etc.
When you then add
voting by Diasporans,the costs is in Foreign Exchange and
experience with Mexico has shown that over time,most of
their citizens do not care anymore.
IN FACT,WHY SHOULD
YOU VOTE WITHOUT PAYING TAXES IN NIGERIA?
IS IT BY
REMITTANCES ONLY AND HOW MUCH?
CAN WE DISQUALIFY
THOSE WHO NEITHER REMIT NOR PAY TAXES?
With our
elections,we must cut down on the Costs of Elections by
letting States do their own Guber as they do with LGs. There
will be initial complaints,but they will be overcome over
time.There are many other ways of we must cut down
COSTS.
Secondly,part of
the corruption in Polity is looting public treasury for
campaign funding.We must find ways of enforcing the existing
appropriate laws.
Finally,countries
with similar problems like ours have Permanent Federal and
State electoral Courts with Appeal Courts(last stop) to try
all forms of Electoral Offences fast, within limited period
in accordance with the law.
WE need to act
before 2019 as elections have become Battles and wars in
Nigeria with huge waste of fund.
Do we beg for
overseas loans and grants for 2019 Elections?
Inquiring
Minds(PastorJ) while shaking heads(a la VC Aluko) want to
know before mid-2017.iw in obodo oyibo where elections are
run by Home Office Civil Servants with no brouhaha in a
nation of integrity.
Ishola Williams
Maj-Gen. (Rtd)
E-mail: isholawilliams@yahoo.com
isholawililams@gmail.com
panafstraginternational@yahoo.com
08056210960
website: www.panafstrag.org
On
Monday, December 5, 2016 6:54 AM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com>
wrote:
1. THE
GUARDIAN: Nigeria to have diaspora
policy soon
2. The
Nation; FG supports diaspora voting ahead of
2019
http://guardian.ng/news/nigeria-to-have-diaspora-policy-soon/
THE
GUARDIAN
Nigeria to have diaspora policy
soon
By Editor | 05 December
2016
Nigeria has begun
the process of joining the league of countries with national
diaspora policies following the setting up of a technical
team saddled with the task of coming up with final draft
of the policy in January 2017.
This was the
resolution of stakeholders after a seven –hour validation
seminar in Abuja on the 68-page draft policy jointly
organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Office of
the Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs
and Diaspora.
Declaring the
seminar open, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey
Onyeama said there was the need to promote the capacity of
Nigerians abroad so as to benefit from the "immense
potential of the diaspora.''
Onyeama, who was
represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb.
Sola Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government would support
all efforts to ensure the inclusion of Nigerians abroad in
future elections
He added that
enhanced inclusion of Nigerians abroad in the voting process
would support their contributions to national development;
hence such policy that would see to their empowerment should
be hastened up.
"Many of them
(Diaspora) are deeply concerned about the situation in the
country and have critical skills and potential that could be
harnessed to solving Nigeria's sociology-economic
challenges "The ministry, therefore, is sharpening its
in-house resources to effectively harness the potential of
Nigerians wherever they are based'', Onyeama
said.
In
his key note speech, Prof George Obiozor, former Nigerian
Ambassador to the United States of America and Director-
General, Nigerian Institute for International Affairs (NIIA)
said the time for a national policy on Diaspora has
come.
"National Policy
on Diaspora matters would expedite the integration and
coordination of the skills and resources of Nigerians living
abroad for the general development of the country'', he
said.
Obiozor said the policy has worked successfully for other
developing nations, urging the Federal government to
expedite action on it as it would assist in harnessing
enormous national resources of her Diasporas.
Both Chairpersons
Senate Committees on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Monsurat
Sunmonu and Rose Oko respectively pledged legislative
support, such as passage of the Diaspora Commission Bill and
amendment of relevant laws to support diaspora voting
Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on
Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa also
emphasised the need to have a national diaspora policy,
saying a number of African countries already ahead of
Nigeria in that regard.
"We cannot ignore our diaspora; when Ireland went into
recession they reached out to their diaspora community and
one thousand of them saved the country from recession. Now
that Nigeria is going through challenges, we cannot have
this enormous human resource and not engage with them'',
she said. She urged all Nigerians home and abroad to
contribute to the final draft of the policy as a technical
committee would be set up to work on the recommendations
agreed on and come up with an action plan for
implementation.
Goodwill messages
were received from the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and High
Commissioner of Cameroon, Amb. Salaheddine Ibrahima, Amb.
Joe Keshi, former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, Dr Senayon Olaoluwa from University of Ibadan, Prof
Bolaji Aluko, Dr Rotimi Jayesinmi, Mr Hubert Sheyen and Mr
Ibrahim Dauda of Nigeria in the Diaspora Organizations
(NIDO).
Stakeholders at the
event include representatives of various diaspora groups,
Ministry Departments and Agencies such as EFCC, National
Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Nigerian Immigration
Service, Nigerian Customs Service amongst
others.
The principal
objective of the Policy is to effectively leverage on the
resources and technical knowledge of Nigerians in the
Diaspora to contribute effectively to national
development.
----
http://thenationonlineng.net/fg-supports-diaspora-voting-ahead-of-2019/
THE
NATION
FG supports diaspora voting ahead
of 2019
Posted By: Groupon: December 01, 2016
The Federal Government has said it
would support "any'' mechanism to ensure the inclusion
of Nigerians abroad in future elections.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Mr Geoffrey Onyeama said this at a seminar on the validation
of proposed "National Policy on Diaspora Matters'' in
Abuja on Thursday.
Onyeama was represented by the
Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Amb. Sola
Enikanolaiye.
The minister said there was the
need to promote the capacity of Nigerians abroad to achieve
the "immense potential of the diaspora''.
He
added that enhanced inclusion of Nigerians abroad in the
voting process would support their contributions to national
development.
"This is for the socio-political
and economic development of the nation.
"In addition, the empowerment of
Nigerians in the Diaspora as change agents for national
development should be speedily scaled up.
"On our part, we deeply support
any mechanism for the inclusion of Nigerian Diaspora to
participate in future elections,'' he said.
He
urged that the challenges impeding the effectiveness of
Nigerians abroad should be considered.
"Many of them (Diaspora) are
deeply concerned about the situation in the country and have
critical skills and potential that could be harnessed to
solving Nigeria's sociology-economic
challenges.
"What has been lacking is the
mechanism of effective engagement and interface with the
government, with a view to ensuring that our country reaps
fully the benefits of this engagement.
"The ministry, therefore,
sharpening its in-house resources to effectively harness the
potential of Nigerians wherever they are
based.''
The Chairman, Senate Committee on
Foreign Affairs Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu said that the
committee was in touch with the Independent National
Electoral Committee on Diaspora voting.
Sunmonu added that efforts were
being made by the committee to promote opportunities for
Nigerians abroad to participate in future
elections.
She reiterated that Nigerians had
"huge potential if properly harnessed would contribute to
the development of the country''.
The Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Foreign Affairs, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa
also emphasised the need to strengthen the diaspora
policy.
Dabiri-Erewa said that the
development of a viable policy would address the concerns of
Nigerians abroad.
"We cannot ignore our diaspora;
when Ireland went into recession they reached out to their
diaspora community and one thousand of them saved the
country from recession.
"Now that Nigeria is going
through challenges, we cannot have this enormous human
resource and not engage with them.
"We are working on the diaspora
policy today; with the document, we have identified a few
challenges impeding the effective contributions of Nigerians
in the diaspora.
"We do not have an accurate
database of Nigerians in the diaspora; there is the lack of
an enabling environment, bilateral agreements on avoidance
of double taxation, and integrated framework for Nigerians
in the diaspora.
"Let us have a policy that we
will be proud of.''
She said that a technical
committee would be set up to work on the recommendations
agreed on and come up with an action plan for
implementation.
Dabiri-Erewa also emphasised that
the passing into law of the Diaspora Commission Bill would
facilitate the realisation of a commission that would
address diaspora matters.
"The eighth assembly has taken
it up, the house has passed it, we are waiting on the Senate
to pass it and it has assured that it will
pass.
"It is going to be a one-stop
agency to deal with diaspora matters, domiciled in the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs,'' she said.
On Fri, Dec 2, 2016
at 12:00 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com>
wrote:
IBK:
If these detractors
of the Policy Document cannot read the entire document, at
least they can read the Foreword, to understand that no
rational person or government can expect even a quarter of
the estimated 12 - 17 million estimated Diasporans of
Nigerian descent to return home BEFORE they can contribute
to the development of Nigeria. This is a call for
PARTNERSHIP with Nigerians at home, both to Diasporans of
Nigerian descent and to Historic African Diaspora (HAD) who
wish to identify with Nigeria - come help develop Nigeria
while we also help in any way to make your stay abroad
better, if that is what you wish.
QUOTE
At another level, the policy recognizes, among
others, that development between a homeland state and its
Diaspora is not one dimensional. The Nigerian Government
therefore recognizes that while collaborating with its
Diaspora for the attainment of national developmental goals,
it will also facilitate a collaboration framework that would
translate into simultaneous benefits for its Diaspora. Thus,
the Nigerian Government reads the relationship as mutually
beneficial.
The policy also recognizes that during emergencies,
Diaspora women and children are peculiarly vulnerable. In
line with this, the policy acknowledges the need to develop
a framework to cater to such peculiar needs during moments
of emergencies and distress. The policy also endorses a
practical step towards the recognition of Diaspora through
the establishment of a National Diaspora Village (really modified into a Diaspora
Housing (Loan) Scheme - both National and state-based -
not a Village with a single address in (say) Abuja as
previously conceived) as well as the
creation of a Diaspora category in the National Award
Programme.
Overall, the policy lays down the parameters for
Nigeria's engagement with its Diaspora, taking into
account the internal dynamics of the country as well as the
external dynamics of its far-flung Diaspora. It is a
well-thought out policy geared towards economic, political,
social and cultural development in Nigeria. This is so as
the nation strives to consolidate its reputation in the
comity of nations and achieve development on all positive
fronts. It is therefore hoped that the implementation of the
policy will redound to the nation's development and that
of its Diaspora in all areas.
UNQUOTE
Unfortunately,
Nebukadineze Adiele and Peter Opara remind me of Sanballat
and Tobiah of Nehemiah 4:
QUOTE
4 When Sanballat
heard that we were building the wall of Jerusalem, he was
very angry and upset. He started making fun of the Jews. 2
Sanballat talked with his friends and the army at Samaria
and said, "What are these weak Jews doing? Do they think
we will leave them alone? Do they think they will offer
sacrifices? Maybe they think they can finish building in
only one day. They cannot bring stones back to life from
these piles of trash and dirt. These are just piles of ashes
and dirt!"
3 Tobiah the
Ammonite was with Sanballat. Tobiah said, "What do these
Jews think they are building? If even a small fox climbed up
on it, he would break down their wall of
stones!"
4 Nehemiah prayed
and said, "Our God, listen to our prayer. These men hate
us. Sanballat and Tobiah are insulting us. Make bad things
happen to them. Make them ashamed, like people taken away as
prisoners. 5 Don't take away their guilt or forgive the
sins they have done in your sight. They have insulted and
discouraged the builders."
6 We built the wall
of Jerusalem all the way around the city. But it was only
half as tall as it should be. We did this much because the
people worked with all their heart.
7 But Sanballat,
Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the men from Ashdod
were very angry. They heard that the people continued
working on the walls of Jerusalem. They heard the people
were repairing the holes in the wall. 8 So all these men got
together and made plans against Jerusalem. They planned to
stir up trouble against Jerusalem. They planned to come and
fight against the city. 9 But we prayed to our God. And we
put guards on the walls to watch day and night so that we
could be ready to meet them.
10 And so at that
time the people of Judah said, "The workers are becoming
tired. There is too much dirt and trash in the way. We
cannot continue to build the wall. 11 And our enemies are
saying, 'Before the Jews know it or see us, we will be
right there among them. We will kill them and that will stop
the work.'"
12 Then the Jews
living among our enemies came and said this to us ten times,
"Our enemies are all around us. They are everywhere we
turn."
13 So I put some of
the people behind the lowest places along the wall, and I
put them by the holes in the wall. I put families together,
with their swords, spears, and bows. 14 After looking over
everything, I stood up and spoke to the important families,
the officials, and the rest of the people. I said,
"Don't be afraid of our enemies. Remember the Lord, who
is great and powerful! You must fight for your brothers,
your sons, and your daughters! You must fight for your wives
and your homes!"
15 Then our enemies
heard that we knew about their plans. They knew that God
ruined their plans. So we all went back to work on the wall.
Everyone went back to their own place and did their part. 16
From that day on, half of my men worked on the wall. The
other half of my men were on guard, ready with spears,
shields, bows, and armor. The army officers stood behind all
the people of Judah who were building the wall. 17 The
builders and their helpers had their tools in one hand and a
weapon in the other hand. 18 Each of the builders wore his
sword at his side as he worked. The man who blew the trumpet
to warn the people stayed next to me. 19 Then I spoke to the
leading families, the officials, and the rest of the people.
I said, "This is a very big job and we are spread out
along the wall. We are far from one another. 20 So if you
hear the trumpet, run to that place. We will all meet
together there, and our God will fight for
us!"
21 So we continued
to work on the wall of Jerusalem, and half the men held
spears. We worked from the first light of the morning until
the stars came out at night.
22 At that time I
also said this to the people, "Every builder and his
helper must stay inside Jerusalem at night. Then they can be
guards at night and workers during the day." 23 So none of
us took off our clothes—not me, not my brothers, not my
men, and not the guards. Each of us had our weapon ready at
all times, even when we went to get water.
UNQUOTE
I really pray that
they have a change of heart. Salvaging Nigeria is an
existential struggle for all Nigerians, at home and abroad,
and throwing brick-a-bats with the usual caterwaulers is
really not my cup of tea.
Now, detractors
have a right to their opinions, which they can send to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng.
And there you have
it - and best wishes always.
Bolaji
Aluko
On Fri, Dec 2, 2016
at 11:39 AM, Ibukunolu Alao Babajide <ibk@usa.net>
wrote:
Dear Peter (My co-Buhari
defender),
This is more than coming home to
take jobs.
It
is about maximising the great Nigerian human resource
outside her borders to the benefit of the country. The
exposure, the acquired talents and the cultural exchange
between the Diasporans and their host communities should be
encouraged.
An
office to manage all these great advantages should be
encouraged.
Cheers.
IBK
_________________________
(+2348061276622)
ibk@usa.net
------ Original Message ------
Received: 02:51 AM EAT, 12/02/2016
From: Peter Opara <poparasp@gmail.com>
Subject: Re: STAR DRAFT: Final Draft of Nigeria's
National Polic...
Nebu,
You have the best definition of
this diaspora shenanigan I read. "Me too"
arrangement. It is all nonsense. It is nothing short of
distracting any government from crying needs in Nigeria on
which government must focus. There need not be, and there
should not be office of diaspora. Like you rightly said,
anyone wishing to be in government in Nigeria fair and
square, hook or crook as is often the case should go home,
return to Nigeria to engage. After all no Nigerian is abroad
without desire to return; so return they must but not by any
special government arrangement. It is incredible that a
bunch of fellows would mount this banal exercise to task a
government. They are to be ignored.
Ogbuonyeiro
On
Thu, Dec 1, 2016 at 4:26 PM, <Nebukadineze@aol.com>
wrote:
Thanks for your intervention
below, and for sending your two comments to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng.
Such comments are encouraged, and will be collated at the
OSSAPFAD Secretariat, and attempts will be made to
incorporate worthy contributions into the final Policy
Document. (Aluko)
Who determines
"worthy contributions" and how are they
determined?
My contribution is
that the FGN (Federal Government of Nigeria) must butt out
of the so called Diaspora business and tackle the
mammoth problem of developing Nigeria and making life
worthy of living for those back home. Diaspora Nigerians are
not as deprived (in all facets of life) as are Nigerians
back home.
Diaspora Nigerians
left Nigeria out of their own volitions and if they wish the
attention of the government, their alternative is to go back
home. The limited resources of Nigeria must be ploughed back
into helping those at home by preventing our youth from
abandoning the country, especially though perilous journeys
with rickety boats through the seas and dangerous Desert
treks.
In Nigeria, we have
criminally minded ex-governors who are collecting humongous
pensions in that capacities and at the same time collecting
salaries either as Ministers, legislators, or Special
Assistance/Advisers (were you not fired as VC, you would
probably be collecting humongous pensions while getting
whatever salary you are currently getting). The so called
Nigerian Diaspora, who should know better, must prompt and
shame the government into closing these types of criminal
loopholes, not championing an inclusive club (like Diaspora
Ministry) through which to further loot the country dry.
This "me
too" mentality about looting Nigeria by most of you
Nigerians has doomed that country and it prompts others into
wanting to abandon that Nigeria for you leeches. With you
Nigerians, it is always "what is there for me".
You can't eat your cake and still have it, folks. If you
are in the Diaspora and still desire FGN's attention,
go home -- Rotimi Fashkin was dignified enough to do
so. IBK's encouraging of young Nigerians to flea the
country is the height of treason, for no nation survives if
its future (the young generation) is chased out. The goal of
all Nigerians in the Diaspora must be to make Nigeria
better, not canvassing for "what is there for me
too" . Doing the later is selfish, stupid, and
low-life behaving.
Are the above
worthy contributions, Bolaji Aluko? I have not done with my
contributions yet, am just in transit and will contribute
more later. You may forward the above for now.
Nebukadineze
Adiele
Reject Religion; Restore
Reason!
In
a message dated 12/1/2016 2:25:00 P.M. Eastern Standard
Time, alukome@gmail.com
writes:
Dear IBK:
1. Thanks for your intervention
below, and for sending your two comments to ssa@diaspora.gov.ng.
Such comments are encouraged, and will be collated at the
OSSAPFAD Secretariat, and attempts will be made to
incorporate worthy contributions into the final Policy
Document.
2. The Validation Summit held
very successfully today (December 1, 2016). The day's
program will be found in http://diaspora.gov.ng/nati
onal-policy-on-diaspora-progra mme/ . A PDF copy of
the Draft Policy Document will be found in http://diaspora.gov.ng/nati
onal-policy-on-diaspora/. More generally, the
website http://diaspora.gov.ng /
was announced as a new one-stop web portal on Nigerian
Diaspora issues.
3. The Summit, which lasted for
almost six hours, was well-attended, and significant
contributions were made from high table during the General
Session (Part One of the Summit) and especially from the
floor during the Technical Session (Part Two of the Summit),
during which latter session a page-by-page dissection of the
Policy Document was conducted.
4. The general sentiment was
that the establishment of a National Policy Document on the
Diaspora, whose ultimate outcome should be a legal framework
which transcends different political Administrations and
Legislatures, is long overdue.
5. At the end of the Summit, a
13-person Technical and Advisory Committee was formed to
collate all contributions, and to re-formulate the Policy
Document into a Revised Draft - to include and
implementation plan. The revised Draft is to be submitted to
the OSSAPFAD by the second week of January 2017 for further
processing in official government channels.
Best wishes.
Bolaji Aluko
Summit Attendee
------- IBK wrote:.....
Dear Prof.;
--- material deleted....
Thanks for sharing the Diaspora
Policy document. I scanned through it and I think it is a
worthy attempt to capture government accommodation and
utilization of a very important national resource.
Citizens abroad and all those who genuinely love Nigeria but
live outside her borders. I sent a short comment set out
below to the address indicated in the document.
"Dear SSA,
Wonderful document. More grease
to your elbow. My comments are two-fold and short. They
are as follows:
ONE
Ireland, India and China benefit
greatly from their Diaspora. Not because they encourage
them to look ONLY to their mother country, but because they
are a veritable source of exports from their mother country
to their host countries. Such exports include Indian and
Chinese cuisine and restaurants, goods and culture.
Nigeria will benefit significantly if the government of
Nigeria promote exports of Nigerian goods and services to
ALL the countries in the world where there is a Nigerian
Diaspora; and
TWO
The Office of Diasporan Affairs
should become the Department of Emigration with the sole
responsibility for assisting Nigerians who wish to emigrate
to do so and to furnish them with information and support to
do so such that they may be traceable and committed to
Nigeria even after they emigrate. Republic of Ireland has
such a government department and the department will ensure
the maximization of the Diasporan human resource for
national development.
These are my two simple comments
for your kind consideration and I wish you a wonderful
validation meeting.
Cheers."
Thanks for your public
intellection. It is very welcome.
Cheers.
IBK
_________________________
(+2348061276622)
ibk@usa.net
On
Tue, Nov 29, 2016 at 1:42 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alukome@gmail.com>
wrote:
Comments may be sent to
ssa@diaspora.gov.ng
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------
------------------------------ -------------------
-------- Original Message
--------
Subject: Final Draft of the National Diaspora
Policy
From: ssa@diaspora.gov.ng
Date: Tue,
November 29, 2016 1:50 pm
To:various persons
Dear All,
Please find attached a copy of the final draft of the
National
Diaspora Policy.
Please accept the assurances of the Senior Special Assistant
to the
President's esteemed regards.
Thanks.
A. A. Yabani
Special Assistant to SSAPFAD on Policy, Projects and
Programmes
______________________________
____________
Dear Sir/Ma,
I am directed to inform that the One-day Multi-stakeholder
Validation Seminar on the National Policy on Diaspora
Matters scheduled to hold on Monday 28th November 2016 has
been rescheduled to hold as follows;
Date: 1st
December 2016
Time: 10:00am prompt
Venue: Rotunda Hall, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
While anticipating your cooperation and contributions to the
success of the Validation Seminar, please accept the
assurances of the Senior Special Assistant to the President
on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora's highest
consideration.
A. A. Yabani
Special Assistant to SSAPFAD on Policy, Projects and
Programmes
______________________________
______________________________ __
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
DRAFT NATIONAL POLICY ON DIASPORA
MATTERS
AUGUST, 2016
FOREWORD
Human capital resource creates wealth
and determines the pace of development. Nations seeking to
achieve sustainable development therefore pay particular
attention to critical issues of capacity building,
mobilization, harnessing and deployment of human capital
resources wherever they may be. Thus, of the current most
globally discussed topics in capacity development is the
immense potentials of the Diaspora to help develop their
countries of origin.
While Nigerian Diaspora have continued to
contribute immensely to the world labour market, there
conversely seems to be a dearth of professionals and experts
serving within the country.
Nigeria has recognized the Diaspora as a veritable
tool for the socio-economic development of the country
leading to the desire to draw a national policy that
guarantees their right of participation in the
socio-economic development of their home land.
The modern Diaspora can be conceived as ethnic
minority groups of migrant origin residing and productively
engaged in host countries but often maintaining some strong
sentimental and material link with their countries of
origin. In the Nigerian context, and for the purpose of this
Policy, Nigerian Diaspora refers to any Nigerian who lives
and works abroad and has interest in contributing to the
socio-economic, political, technological and industrial
development of Nigeria.
It is estimated that there are about 15 to 17
million Nigerians in the Diaspora (Nigeria Diaspora.com). It
is on record that the Nigerian communities abroad are among
the best educated and relatively affluent of the immigrant
population. A large number of those in advanced countries
are professionals with specialisation in all fields of human
endeavour including medicine, education, research, ICT, law
and engineering, among others. Nigerians in the Diaspora
thus constitute a large pool of skilled human capacity, the
critical means through which the country needs to take-off
in the 21st century, bearing in mind that galvanization and
utilization of intellectual capacity is integral to
development. Furthermore, effective coordination and
regulation of remittances from Diaspora all over the world
no doubt contribute to the social economic development of
Nigeria.
While previous governments had taken steps in the
direction of granting increasing recognition to the place of
Diaspora in our development, President Muhammadu
Buhari's creation of the Office of the Senior Special
Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora
(OSSAPFAD), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs'
policy contributions, further emphasize the recognition of
the group's potential to positively impact on Nigeria
economically, politically and socially. Thus this policy
document is put in place to guide Nigeria's relations
with its Diaspora.
This policy document stands out in the way it
recognizes Diaspora as a complex phenomenon that transcends
the simplistic definition that limits the Diaspora of an
African nation to only those living outside it, but who are
connected to it by descent through the colonial cartography
of nationhood. Such understanding undermines the place of
Historic African Diaspora (HAD) which designates a far
greater population of people of African descent whose
dispersal and migration out of the continent, forced or
otherwise, preceded colonial mapping in Africa. On this
account, while recognizing people of Nigerian descent born
or living outside the country, the policy also admits the
potential agency of members of Historic African Diaspora
that may elect to identify with Nigeria for the realization
of its developmental goals.
At another level, the policy recognizes, among
others, that development between a homeland state and its
Diaspora is not one dimensional. The Nigerian Government
therefore recognizes that while collaborating with its
Diaspora for the attainment of national developmental goals,
it will also facilitate a collaboration framework that would
translate into simultaneous benefits for its Diaspora. Thus,
the Nigerian Government reads the relationship as mutually
beneficial.
The policy also recognizes that during emergencies,
Diaspora women and children are peculiarly vulnerable. In
line with this, the policy acknowledges the need to develop
a framework to cater to such peculiar needs during moments
of emergencies and distress. The policy also endorses a
practical step towards the recognition of Diaspora through
the establishment of a National Diaspora Village as well as
the creation of a Diaspora category in the National Award
Programme.
Overall, the policy lays down the parameters for
Nigeria's engagement with its Diaspora, taking into
account the internal dynamics of the country as well as the
external dynamics of its far-flung Diaspora. It is a
well-thought out policy geared towards economic, political,
social and cultural development in Nigeria. This is so as
the nation strives to consolidate its reputation in the
comity of nations and achieve development on all positive
fronts. It is therefore hoped that the implementation of the
policy will redound to the nation's development and that
of its Diaspora in all areas.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTENT
PAGES
Foreword:
..............................
.............................. .....................
ii - iv
Table of Contents:
………………………………………………………………………………
.. v - xii
Acronyms and
Abbreviations:…………………………………………
…………………….. xii - xiv
Executive Summary:
..............................
.............................. ....... 15 -
16
Chapter One: Introduction: …………………………………………………………
17
1.0
Definition:…………………………………………………
………………………………. 17 -
18
1.1 African Union:
………………………………………………………………………….
18
1.2 The Nigerian
Perspective:………………………………………………
………… 18 - 22
1.3 Vision, Mission and
Goal:………………………………………………………….
22
Chapter Two:
Challenges to Effective Diaspora Contribution to
Nigerian Development: 23
2. 0 Challenges:...................
.............................. ....................
23
2.1 Lack of Reliable
Database:..................... ...........................
23 - 24
2.2 Lack of
Enabling Environment arising from Inadequate
Infrastructure:...............
..............................
.....................
24
2.3 Insecurity:...................
.............................. .....................
24
2.4 High Cost of
Remittances:..................
.............................. .. 24 - 25
2.5. Lack of Bilateral Agreements on Avoidance
of Double
Taxation (ADT) with Some Countries
with Significant Diaspora
Population:..................
.............................. .......................
25
2.6 Inability to Transfer Diaspora Skill and
Technology:................ 25 - 26
2.7 Lack of Integration Framework for
Returning Nigerians:..........
26
2.8 Inability to Exercise Their Right as
Nigerian Citizens
to Vote and Participate in the
Electoral Process:....................
26
2.9. Inadequate Response to Emergency and
Distress
Situations of Nigerians in
Diaspora:..................... ................
27
2.2.1 Policy as Direct Response to
Diaspora Needs:........................
27
2.2.2 Policy and Consistency
with International Migration
Policy:…………………………………………………………
………………………………….
27
Chapter Three:
Diaspora Policy Objectives and
Strategies:…………………………………………..
28
3.0 Aim: ..............................
.............................. ...................
28
3.1 Specific
Objectives:...................
.............................. ............. 28 -
29
3.2
Strategies: ..............................
.............................. ............
29
3.3.1 Trade and Investment:
.............................. ........................
29 - 30
3.3.2 Remittances:..................
..............................
.................... 30
3.3.3 Diaspora Day:
..............................
.............................. ......
30
3.3.4 Consular and Immigration
Services: .............................. .......
30
3.3.5 Engagement: ..............................
.............................. ......
31
3.4
Empowerment:..................
..............................
....................... 31
3.4.1 Health and Education:
..............................
.............................. 31
3.4.2 Tourism and Culture:
..............................
.............................. ... 31-32
3.4.3 Agriculture, Science and
Technology/Information and
Communication
Technology (ICT): ..............................
.......... 32
3.5 Social Security:
..............................
.............................. ...... 32
3.6 Homeland Security:
..............................
.............................. 32
3.7 Infrastructure:
..............................
............................. ..
32-33
3.8 Diaspora Franchise:
..............................
........................ 33
3.9 Development of a
Framework for Pre-departure Training:…………
33
3.10 Effective Response to
Emergency and Distress Situations of
Nigerians in
Diaspora: ..............................
........................... 34
3.11 Institution of an Integration Framework for
Returning
Nigerians from Diaspora:
.............................. ................
.. 34
3.12 Institution of Collaboration Framework with
Members of
Historic African Diaspora:
.............................. ................
.. 34 -35
3.13 Framework for Appropriate Response to Nigerian
Diaspora Women and Children's
Needs during
Emergencies:
..............................
.............................. ..
35
3.14 Establishment of a World Class Diaspora
Resource and
Research Centre (DRRC) to Aid Research
and
Development:..................
.............................. ..............
35
3.15 Framework for Diaspora Skill Transfer:
...........................
36
3.16 Creation of a Global Nigerian Network:
............................ 36
3.17.
Periodic Consultation with Emigration
Stakeholders:............ 36-37
3.18 Facilitation of a National Diaspora Village (NDV):
............... 37
3.19 Creation of a
Diaspora Category in the National Award
Programme:……………………………………………………
……………………….. 38
3.20
Institutionalisation of Diaspora Communities and
Associations:.................
.............................. ....................
38
3.21 Facilitation of the development of a central online
hub that
connects all the Diaspora
Associations with government
online
platform:.....................
.............................. .............
39
3.22 Creation of comprehensive database of professional,
skilled
Diaspora and Business Associations
to facilitate
development of partnerships between
local professionals
and those
abroad:.......................
.............................. ........
39
3.23 Representation of the Diaspora Network in the
design and
implementation of Nigeria's
development strategies:..............
39-40
3.24
Development of initiatives that promote sense of
togetherness among the various
Diaspora groups:.................
40
3.25 Promotion of Diaspora Investments
and Savings:.................. 40-41
3.26 Establishment and Regulation of
Diaspora Bonds:..................
41
3.27 Facilitate Remittance of
Funds:........................ ...................
41
3.28
Government liberalizes the market for
cross-border
money transfer operators so as to
reduce transaction
costs:........................
..............................
........................
42
3.29
Build Data on Remittances:..................
..............................
42
3.30
Knowledge/Skills Transfer:.....................
......................... ...
43
3.31
Promote the formation and linking of professional
associations, including
scientific knowledge networks
for domestic and Diaspora
communities:.................. ......
... 43
3.32
Create safe and trusted communication and
knowledge
sharing platforms through
development and maintenance
of ICT infrastructure and
virtual networks:..................... .
... 43-44
3.33 Promote volunteerism through
development of internship
and volunteer programs in
various sectors at home for
the young and upcoming Diaspora
professionals:................
44
3.34 Develop and strengthen existing
initiatives to encourage
attract, retain and support
home-based migration of
high-level expertise on
permanent or temporary basis:........
44
3.35 Diaspora
Philanthropy:.................
.............................. ....
44-45
3.35.1 Acknowledge and support works of charity by
Diaspora
foundations:.................
.............................. ....................
45
3.35.2 Organise Awards and Recognition Events
involving
Diaspora individuals and
associations for their
efforts to support their
homeland:.....................
............... 45
3.35.3 Provide timely information on the
needs of local
communities that may be of
interest to the Diaspora:.......
45-46
3.36 Supporting the
Diaspora......................
.........................
46
3.36.1 Improve awareness among Nigerians of the
availability of
consular services and the
role of Nigeria Missions
abroad:.......................
..............................
.................. 46
3.36.2 Promote research and define emerging
needs of
Nigerian emigrants:....................
.............................. ....
46-47
3.36.3
Facilitate a vibrant sense of community and
Nigerian
identity
abroad:.......................
.............................. .....
47
3.36.4
Development of facilities and initiatives to
support
returning
Diaspora:.....................
.............................. ....
47
3.37 Financial law
reforms:......................
............................. 47
Chapter Four:
Strategic Approach to Mobilization and Engagement
(SAME): ........ 48
4.0 Diaspora Mapping And Needs:
.............................. ...........
…. 48
4.1 Education: ..............................
.............................. .....
…. 48
4.1.1 Lecturers And Teachers:.....................
............................. 48
4.1.2 Student Exchanges And Internships:
.............................. ... 49
4.1.3 Research And Development (R & D):
.............................. .. 49
4.2 Health Care:
..............................
.............................. ..... 49-50
4.3 Waivers: ..............................
.............................. ..........
50
4.4 Trade And Investment:
.............................. .....................
50-51
4.5 Science, Technology And Innovation (STI):
....................... 51-52
4.6 Politics And Governance:
.............................. ..................
52
4.7 Agriculture:
..............................
.............................. ......
52
4.8 Housing And Urban Development:
.............................. ....
… 53
Chapter Five:
Institutional Arrangements For Policy
Implementation …............... 54
5.0 Formation of Presidential Committee On
Diaspora Matters:.... 54-56
5.1 Establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora
Commission…………………..55
5.2 Implementing Agencies/Institutions:
.............................. .... 55
5.2.1 Office of
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs
and
Diaspora
(OSSAPFAD):……………………...........
..................... 56
5.2.2
Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC): .............. 57
5.2.3
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA):
.............................. ..........
57
5.2.4 Diaspora and Transnational
Studies Programme, University
of Ibadan (DTSPUI):
..............................
..................... …….
58
5.2.5 National Population Commission (NPC):
.............................. . 59
5.2.6 National Universities Commission (NUC):
............................. 59
5.2.7 Nigerian National Volunteer Service (NNVS):
....................... 59
5.2.8 Ministry of Budget and National Planning
(MBNP): ................ 59
5.2.9 Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment:
....................... 60
5.2.10 National
Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally
Displaced Persons (NCFRMI):
.............................. .............
60
5.2.11 Federal Ministry of Information:
.............................. ........ 60
5.2.12 Federal Ministry of Education:
.............................. ...........
60
5.2.13 Federal Ministry of Health (FMH):
.............................. ...... 61
5.2.14 Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS):
.............................. 61
5.2.15 Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN):
.............................. .........
61
5.2.16 Federal Ministry of Industry Trade And
Investment (FMITI):.. 61
5.2.17 National Assembly Committees on Diaspora
Affairs (NACDA):.. 62
5.2.18 National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA):......... ……. 62
5.2.19 Federal Ministry of Justice
(FMOJ):....................... .............
62
5.2.20 Independent Corrupt Practices
Commission/Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission:…………………………………………………
…………………………. 62
5.2.21 Corporate
Affairs Commission and Nigerian Investment
Promotion
Council:…………………………………………………………
…………. 63
5.2.22 Federal Inland Revenue
Service:…………………………………………..
63
5.2.23 Other relevant
MDAs……………………………………………………………………
.63
5.3 Other Stakeholders:.................
.............................. ........
63-64
5.3.1 Organisations of Nigerians in
Diaspora:..................... ...
64
5.3.2 Members of Historic African Diaspora
(HAD):...................... 64
5. 3.3 Ministry of Women Affairs
(FMWA):....................... ........
.. 64
5.3.4 Civil Society Organizations
(CSOS):....................... ...........
64
5.3.5 Development Partners:.....................
............................ ..
65
5.3.6 Diaspora and Resource and Research Centre
(DRRC):......... 65
5.4 Institutional Framework:
…………………………………………………………….
65-66
5.5
5.4 Monitoring and Evaluation:
.............................. ..................
66-67
ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
OSSAPFAD- Office of the Senior Special Assistant to
the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora
PACDM - Presidential Advisory Committee on
Diaspora Matters
DRRC - Diaspora
Resource and Research Centre
HAD - Historic African
Diaspora
lOM - International
Organization for Migration
AU - African
Union
NIDO - Nigerians in
Diaspora Organization
NNVS - Nigerian National
Volunteer Service
NPD - National Policy
on Diaspora
PPP - Public-Private
Partnership
ICT - Information and
Communication Technology
EEE - Engagement,
Enablement and Empowerment
MDAs - Ministries,
Departments and Agencies
R & D - Research and
Development
CBOs - Community Based
Organizations
NGOs - Non-Governmental
Organizations
FBOs - Faith Based
Organizations
SCDM - Steering Committee
on Diaspora Matters
MFA - Ministry of
Foreign Affairs
NPOPC - National Population
Commission
NUC - National
Universities Commission
MBNP - Ministry of Budget
and National Planning
NCFRMI -
National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and
Internally
Displaced
Persons
NIS - Nigerian
Immigration Service
CBN - Central Bank of
Nigeria
INEC - Independent
National Electoral Commission
SAME - Strategic Approach
to Mobilization and Engagement
NEMA - National Emergency
Management Agency
FMITI - Federal Ministry of
Industry, Trade and Investment
FMWA - Federal Ministry
of Women Affairs
DTSPUI
- Diaspora and Transnational Studies
Programme, University
of Ibadan
NDSF - Nigerian Diaspora
Security Forum
NDV - National
Diaspora Village
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The place of Nigerian Diaspora in African
development can no longer be pushed to the background. This
calls for an appropriate response to mainstream Diaspora
matters in the nation through the formulation of a policy
that would boost Nigeria's relations with its Diaspora
and facilitate sustainable development.
While countries have adopted and applied specific
definitions to guide their Diaspora policies, the Nigeria
Government has adopted a broader understanding of Diaspora
for its application. Government thus broadly conceives and
recognizes Diaspora on two levels. The first category
designates people of Nigerian descent either born in Nigeria
or otherwise living abroad who are interested in
contributing to the development of the nation. The second
category refers to people of African descent who are members
of Historic African Diaspora (HAD) who may choose to
identify with Nigeria for collaboration towards the
achievement of the nation's goals. The Nigerian Diaspora
Policy stands out in the way it also recognizes that the
development caveat for collaboration with its Diaspora is
mutual, as Government is also committed to programmes and
frameworks for the development and betterment of Nigerian
Diaspora.
At present, Government is aware of the challenges
to the phenomenal promise the Nigerian Diaspora holds for
national development. Some of the identified challenges are
lack of a reliable database for the Nigerian Diaspora,
inability to exercise their voting rights in the homeland,
high cost of remittances, inadequate infrastructure, lack of
reintegration framework for returnees, etc.
In view of the above, the broad objective of the
policy is to address these challenges by identifying areas
of Diaspora needs and setting machinery in motion to address
them.
The policy identifies the Office of the Special
Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora
(OSSAPFAD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Office
of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF)
as the main agencies charged with the coordination of
Diaspora matters. It also lists other Government agencies,
institutions and Diaspora formations to be involved in the
implementation process.
On a last note, the policy recommends a framework
for regular monitoring and evaluation of the policy
implementation. It shall be undertaken by the main agency
and other appropriate agencies like the Diaspora and
Transnational Studies Programme, University of Ibadan
(DTSPUI) in order to assess and review the implementation
reports geared towards better performance and all round
development of the nation and its Diaspora.
CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.0 DEFINITION
There are various definitions of the term
"Diaspora". These include:"any person who lives and
works outside the shores of his home country". The
International Organization for Migration (IOM) defines
Diaspora as members of ethnic and national communities who
have left, but maintain links with their homeland. In the
past 50 years, the number of people living outside their
countries of origin has doubled from about 120 to over 200
million and constitutes an appreciable number of world
populations. This fact underscores the place of this
category of people in world population, particularly with
respect to the management of international migration,
transit, destination, integration and return. It further
explains why all the world over since the turn of the 20th
century, policy formulation around international migration
has occupied the front burner of individual countries and
the international community.
According to IOM
and KNBS, about 30 million Africans live outside their home
countries. Such estimate is exclusive of the huge population
of people of African descent whose migration narratives fall
within the categorisation of Historic African Diaspora;
their migration preceded the colonisation of Africa
beginning from mostly the second half of the 20th century.
The understanding then explains why for the African Union, "The African Diaspora
consists of peoples of African origin living outside the
continent, irrespective of their citizenship and nationality
and who are willing to contribute to the development of the
continent and the building of the African
Union."
1.1 AFRICAN UNION
The African Union recognizes the growing importance
of the Diaspora in the polity. It is the recognition of the
African Diaspora as an important part of the continent that
prompted the African Union (AU) in 2003 to declare the
African Diaspora as the sixth region of the
continent.
1.2 THE NIGERIAN PERSPECTIVE:
In the Nigerian context and for the purpose of this
policy, Diaspora refers to two broad categories of people.
This first has to do with people of Nigerian descent who
live and work abroad and have interest in contributing to
the socio-economic, political, technological and industrial
development of Nigeria. It is important to note that the
relationship is not however one-sided. Just as the
designated category of Nigerians stands to enhance
development in the homeland, Nigeria also recognizes the
mutuality of the relationship and is also committed to a
responsibility towards the well being and development of its
Diaspora. The second category designates members of Historic
African Diaspora. These are people of African descent living
in other continents in the Americas, Europe, Asia and
Australia and whose history of migration antedates
colonization. The Nigerian Government recognizes members of
this Diaspora category that may elect to identify with the
country to genuinely contribute to its socio-economic,
political, technological and industrial development. Again,
such genuine interest in Nigerian development shall place a
responsibility of ensuring the wellbeing and development of
this category of Diaspora in the Nigerian agenda as terms
and conditions of relationship unfold. Reckoning that the
African Union alone cannot be assigned the prerogative of
relating with people of African descent living in Diaspora,
Nigeria welcomes and offers to be in partnership with
willing members of this group. This is much more so because
the African Union is spread across all the nations on the
continent and Nigeria plays a leading role in the
reconnection agenda with both contemporary and Historic
African Diaspora.
At the moment, there is no reliable information
regarding the number of Nigerians living abroad. It is
estimated that there are over 12 million Nigerians living in
the Diaspora. About 6 million of them reside in the Americas
particularly in the United States of America and Canada
while another 3 million live in Europe with the United
Kingdom as the destination of choice. Diaspora Nigerians are
found not only in Europe and America; they are dispersed all
over the globe including Africa, Australia, Asia,and the
Middle-East, where they live in substantial
numbers.
What is significant about the Nigerian communities
abroad is that first, they are among the most educated and
relatively successful of the immigrant population. A large
percentage of them are professionals with specialization in
fields such as medicine, education, teaching, information
technology, real estate, law, banking and engineering, among
others.
Secondly, many years of their sojourn abroad have
not diminished their patriotism. Like most Nigerians at
home, they remain concerned about the situation in the
country and have critical skills needed to solve Nigeria's
socioeconomic problems. Through their cultural activities,
they remain Nigeria's foremost cultural ambassadors and a
potent force for positive external image. In the same vein,
Nigeria recognizes the efforts of members of Historic
African Diaspora who may consciously elect to identify with
the hopes and aspirations of the nation and project its
image towards a more positive global reception of the
country for development.
The Diasporas have continued to play a key role in
the development of their home countries. With remittances,
Nigerians in the Diaspora have shown their importance as a
viable economic force. Nigeria receives the largest inflow
of remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa with 65% of its total
and 2% of global inflow. In 2012, Nigeria was ranked as the
5th largest remittance receiving developing country in the
world with an estimate of 21 Billion US dollars.
This, coupled with their investment potentials, if
properly harnessed, could positively impact the country's
socio-economic development. Given the significant role they
play and the impact they make on their countries of origin,
many countries have initiated policies and legislations that
create the enabling environment that will facilitate the
full participation and contribution of the Diaspora to
national development.
In essence, Nigerians abroad, especially the
professionals, constitute a large pool of skilled,
experienced and well trained human capital. The pool
constitutes the critical mass that the country needs to
drive its transformation into a technologically advanced
nation in the 21st century and beyond.
Government has come to recognize the importance of
mobilizing and engaging Nigerians in the Diaspora as
strategic partners to be involved in the national
development process. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo,
Government encouraged the establishment of the Nigerians in
the Diaspora Organization (NIDO). NIDO was set up to serve
as an umbrella organization of all Nigerians abroad and a
vehicle through which Nigerians in the Diaspora could be
mobilized to participate in the development
process.
As part of the effort to provide an institutional
framework for involving the Diaspora in the affairs of the
country, in 2016, the Government of President Muhammadu
Buhari created the Office of Senior Special Assistant on
Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (SSAFAD). The office has the
responsibility to directly coordinate Diaspora matters for
the facilitation of engagement with Diaspora to actualize
mutual development processes in the homeland and the
Diaspora.
The need to engage the Nigerian Diaspora was based
on the recognition of the huge human capital and resources
of the Diaspora as a major contributor to national
development. There is also the realization that some
countries notably India, China, Pakistan, Mexico and the
Philippines have successfully utilized their Diaspora for
their rapid development.
1.3 VISION, MISSION AND
GOAL
The Vision, Mission and Goal of the
policy document are as follows;
i. Vision:
Effectively promote
and harness the capacity of Nigerians at home and abroad for
the socio-political and economic development of the
nation.
ii. Mission:
To empower Nigerians
in the Diaspora as change agents for the development of
Nigeria through promoting a framework for the Diaspora to
maximize their potentials in capital, knowledge and
networks.
iii. Goal: Constructive engagement of the
Diaspora for sustainable national development.
CHAPTER TWO
CHALLENGES TO EFFECTIVE DIASPORA CONTRIBUTION TO
NIGERIAN DEVELOPMENT
In spite of the phenomenal promise
Diaspora holds in the mediation of national development, the
Nigerian Diaspora is faced with series of challenges that
stand in the way of realizing the potentials. The challenges
also continue to hinder the full realization of
Government's efforts at responding more effectively to
Diaspora needs.
2. 0
Challenges
Some of the challenges to the full realization of
Nigerian Diaspora potentials for development are listed
below.
2.1 Lack of Reliable
Database
The figures often quoted about the number of
Nigerians abroad remain at best speculative. The situation
obtains from the lack of accurate enumeration of the actual
number of this all-important category of Nigerians, as a
reliable database is yet to be generated for continual and
automated capture of the various categories of Nigerians
abroad. The inadequacy continues to stand in the way of
planning both for the realization of Diaspora potentials and
the strategic interventions of Government in impacting
Nigerian Diaspora in all-round development.
2.2 Lack of
Enabling Environment arising from Inadequate
Infrastructure
Implied in the spectrum of Diaspora is the
possibility of return for the mediation of development.
Return is thus considered a vital developmental constituent
that requires the institution of adequate infrastructure for
the attraction of Diaspora investment. So far, most members
of the Nigerian Diaspora are discouraged by the lack of the
enabling environment for the sustenance of an operational
infrastructural system in the Nigerian homeland to drive
their investment.
2.3
Insecurity
The security system in the country continues to be
a source of worry to members of the Nigerian Diaspora. The
situation touches on virtually all aspects of the national
life and stands as a serious challenge to how the Diaspora
can be reintegrated into national life where return, either
in terms of investment or physical return, or both, is
concerned.
2.4 High Cost of
Remittances
Nigerians abroad are often faced with the
difficulty of sending remittances back home. The formal
channels of transfer are mostly expensive. The situation
accounts for why Diaspora members often resort to informal
channels of remittances that prevent Government from having
accurate information on how best to plan and harness
Diaspora resources for national development.
2.5. Lack of Bilateral
Agreements on Avoidance of Double Taxation (ADT) with
Some Countries with Significant Diaspora
Population
Nigerians living in Diaspora have large
concentrations in some countries than others. Where this
occurs, it should ordinarily afford them the privilege of
having exemption from double taxation. However this has not
often been the case. Having to be doubly taxed is a source
of discouragement for this category of Nigerians and has
stood in the way of how they respond to tax regimes
affecting them both in Diaspora and the Nigerian
homeland.
2.6 Inability to
Transfer Diaspora Skill and Technology
Diaspora members, especially those living in some
of the most technologically advanced countries in Europe and
North America constitute potential sources of skill and
technology transfer. They have excelled in the acquisition
of technologically-driven skills and the transfer of such
stands to enhance the Nigerian developmental profile.
However, the conducive environment for such transfer in the
homeland continues to be a challenge, as the skill and
technology transfer through Diaspora is yet to have a
clearly defined formal template that will boost Diaspora
interest.
2.7 Lack of
Integration Framework for Returning Nigerians
An integration framework for returning Diasporas is
a mechanism by which the question of return can be
addressed. But as things stand, such framework at present
lacks a coherent expression. The situation often creates
doubts and scepticismin members of the
Diaspora wishing to return to the Nigerian homeland with the
hope of resettling into their original space, a decision
that holds amazing potentials for development.
2.8 Inability to Exercise Their Right as Nigerian
Citizens to Vote and Participate in the
Electoral Process
The Diaspora stands as the undeclared 7th
geopolitical zone of the country because members of the
community are unable to vote from their various locations
and participate in other franchise-related matters in the
Nigerian homeland. The challenges stem from the
unavailability of a template for virtual voting and other
similar provisions that can grant members of the Diaspora
the full exercise of their franchise, considering that their
contribution to national development cannot be
denied.
2.9. Inadequate
Response to Emergency and Distress Situations of
Nigerians in Diaspora
Response to emergency situations during
uncomplimentary moments of disasters, wars and xenophobic
attacks and other similar situations require prompt response
to the distress of Nigerians in their various countries of
destination by the Nigerian Government. Much as these
responses have been recorded in specific instances; they are
few and far between at present. The situation tends to
detract from the nationalist ego of Nigerians in Diaspora,
which makes it an area of challenge requiring a more
proactive response from Government.
2.2.1Policy as Direct Response to Diaspora
Needs
The current effort to develop a National Policy on
Diaspora is a direct response to the need to provide an
institutional framework for the mobilization and involvement
of Nigerian Diaspora in the national development process and
to address the challenges militating against their
participation.
2.2.2 Policy and Consistency with International
Migration Policy
The Nigerian Diaspora Policy shall be consistent
with the overall objectives of the International Migration
Policy.
CHAPTER THREE
DIASPORA POLICY OBJECTIVES AND
STRATEGIES
Nigeria, like many other developing countries,
recognizes the enormous potential of the country's
Diaspora population to facilitate trade, investment, amongst
others, in the overall development of the country. It also
seeks to commit itself to ways in which Diaspora
contribution to homeland development translates into an
enhancement of Diaspora life and development.
3.0 AIM
The main aim of this policy framework is to
mobilize and harness the potential of Nigerian Diaspora for
national development.
3.1 SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
a. to develop robust and dynamic strategies
targeted at harnessing Diaspora resources towards national
development;
b. to respond to the challenges and needs of
the Diaspora in their efforts to participate in national
development;
c. to improve and sustain strong
socio-cultural and economic relations with the Diaspora for
national development;
d. to strengthen relevant institutions for
the coordination and proper administration of Diaspora
Issues particularly the Office of Senior Special Assistant
to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (OSSAPFAD),
amongst others.
e. to facilitate a congenial atmosphere for
members of Historic African Diaspora wishing to collaborate
and identify with Nigeria for socio-political and economic
development.
f. to create favourable frameworks for
programmes that will contribute to Diaspora members'
wellbeing and development while contributing to homeland
development
3.2 Strategies
To achieve the objectives of this policy,
Government is committed to creating the needed human and
material infrastructure to engage, enable and empower the
Diaspora towards national development. Government
shall
continue to provide the enabling environment to
encourage the Diaspora to contribute their quota to national
development and in the process facilitate processes of
enhanced Diaspora experience for this category of Nigerians
and the other category of Historic African Diaspora
committed to Nigerian development.
3.3.1 Trade and
Investment
To encourage the Diaspora towards active engagement
in Trade and Investment, Government shall continue to
provide incentives such as tax rebates and waivers on duties
of certain goods and services in accordance with extant
fiscal policy measures.
3.3.2 Remittances
Government shall, through its relevant organs and
agencies, create incentives and educate the Diaspora
community on policies that have been put in place to
facilitate cheaper, efficient and secure channels of
remittance flow. In addition, Government shall continue to
create the necessary monetary policies that will facilitate
the transfer of resources from the Diaspora, to Nigeria for
national development.
3.3.3 Diaspora Day
July 25th shall be regarded as Diaspora
Day. Government shall continue to improve on the structure
of Diaspora Day event to allow for better result- oriented
programmes for national development.
3.3.4 Consular and Immigration
Services
Consular services to Nigerians in their respective
host countries shall be
improved and where necessary, Diaspora Desk Offices
shall be established.
The Government shall enter into Bilateral
Agreements aimed at protecting the interest of Nigerians in
the Diaspora.
3.3.5 Engagement
Government shall take necessary steps to ensure the
following:
a. Database: Put in place necessary
machineries to obtain reliable database and other relevant
data for the purpose of registering Nigerians in
Diaspora.
b. Outreach: Shall work with
recognised Diaspora Organisations and other relevant
Diaspora associations and individuals to develop outreach
strategies that will facilitate the involvement of Diaspora
in national development.
3.4 Empowerment:
3.4.1 Health and Education
The huge human capital available among Nigerians in
Diaspora in areas of Health, Education, Sciences, Technology
and other sectors are vital for national development. In
this respect, Government shall continue to create conducive
environment for temporary and permanent transfer of such
resources to Nigeria as well as encourage collaborative
research between Nigerian Diaspora and their professional
colleagues at home.
3.4.2 Tourism and Culture
Special recognition awards shall be created for
Nigerian Diaspora associations that promote Nigeria as a
tourist's destination. Governments shall continue to
encourage relevant sectors to participate in Diaspora
Socio-Cultural and economic events.
3.4.3
Agriculture, Science and Technology/Information and
Communication
Technology (ICT)
Government shall continue to encourage the
participation of the Diaspora in the non-oil sectors of the
economy particularly Agriculture, Solid minerals,
manufacturing Science, Technology and innovation and
ICT.
3.5 Social Security
Government shall continue to encourage host
countries to facilitate Diaspora access to social security
benefits applicable in their countries.
3.6 Homeland Security
Having been identified as one of the main
challenges to the full realization of Diaspora potentials
for homeland development, Government shall consolidate its
efforts towards ensuring a more enduring and more
sustainable peace in every sector and section of the nation.
3.7
Infrastructure
By identifying infrastructure as one of the
challenges to smooth Diaspora return, transition and
investment, Government shall endeavour to firm up its plan
to realize its infrastructural goal to meet up not only with
Diaspora needs but also shall also ensure that the
achievement of the goal is consistent with global best
practices.
3.8 Diaspora Franchise
That the Nigerian Diaspora members are not able to
exercise their right to vote owing to their location outside
the country in the 21st century can no longer be tenable.
Government shall therefore work hand in hand with the
appropriate ministries, offices and agencies to ensure that
a credible framework that is technologically driven and
effective is put in place to integrate Diaspora voting as an
integral part of the Nigerian voting system.
3.9 Development of a Framework for Pre-departure
Training
As a global phenomenon in which citizens of all
nations participate on an equally global level of
competition, Government reckons that developing and
harmonizing existing training platforms for pre-departure
training for emigrants will enhance their chances of
survival and success outside the shores of the nation.
Government shall provide orientation, training and skill
acquisition to intending emigrants in order to prepare them
for the challenges of survival in Diaspora
3.10 Effective
Response to Emergency and Distress Situations of Nigerians
in Diaspora
Moments of extreme emergency leading to despair
over safety are as unpredictable as they are treacherous.
Government shall set up an effective response mechanism to
accelerate rescue and evacuation processes, as the case may
be, for those caught in the uncertainties of emergencies and
other similar situations in order to assure Diaspora members
of Government's concern for the wellbeing of its
citizens irrespective of their location.
3.11 Institution of an Integration Framework for
Returning Nigerians from Diaspora
In recognition of return at the other end of
migration spectrum, Government acknowledges the difficulties
associated with return and resettlement in the Nigerian
homeland. Therefore, Government shall institute an
appropriate integration framework to cater to the needs of
returning Diaspora citizens as either voluntary returnees or
forced return emigrants.
3.12 Institution of Collaboration Framework with
Members of Historic African Diaspora
Reckoning that Historic African Diaspora
constitutes the second category of Diaspora Nigeria has
elected to identify with in line with the AU 2003
Declaration, Government shall develop a framework for
collaboration with individuals and groups belonging to this
category that may choose to identify with the developmental
goals of the nation.
3.13Framework for Appropriate Response to Nigerian
Diaspora Women and Children's Needs during
Emergencies
Government recognizes that some of the challenges
Diaspora members face are peculiar to the female gender and
children. Government shall undertake to respond to such
challenges particularly with respect to issues around
emergencies, human rights and distress in
Diaspora.
3.14 Establishment
of a World Class Diaspora Resource and Research
Centre (DRRC) to Aid Research and
Development
Research and development are key to the
implementation of this policy for national development.
Therefore, Government shall establish a world class Diaspora
Resource and Research Centre (DRRC) to be hosted as an arm
of the Diaspora and Transnational Studies Programme at the
Institute of African Studies of the University of Ibadan,
which is the only university on the African continent to
have developed such research programme on Diaspora
Studies.
3.15 Framework for Diaspora Skill
Transfer
Government shall endeavour to evolve a template for
Diaspora skill transfer in collaboration with the Nigerian
Diaspora Security Forum (NDSF) in a way that will mainstream
the Diaspora contents of all federal ministries.
3.16 Creation of a Global Nigerian
Network
The network shall draw membership from a large pool
of outstanding Nigerian business people who are disposed to
contributing to the nation's economic growth while
enhancing the prosperity of their individual business
empires. The network shall undertake the responsibility of
providing the Nigerian homeland Government with expertise
for economic development. The provision of expertise also
includes possible willingness on the part of the network
membership, which will be reviewed from time to time, to
facilitate direct and indirect investment activities in the
nation for economic transformation .It cannot be overemphasized that an
interactive platform which offers Nigerian Diaspora and
Diaspora Associations and entrepreneurs the tools to grow,
will project Nigeria in the comity of nations.
3.17 Periodic Consultation with
Emigration Stakeholders
Government reckons that emigration
affects people differently particularly because their
locations outside the country are different. Therefore,
rather than adopting a blanket approach in its relations
with the Diaspora, Government shall facilitate platforms for
people in different countries, through Nigerian Consulates
to consult and receive feedbacks on how Diaspora
people's lives may be enhanced for meaningful
contribution towards homeland development.
3.18 Facilitation of a National Diaspora Village
(NDV)
In view of the prospects Diaspora holds in the
nation's development, Government shall facilitate and
support the creation of a National Diaspora Village. It will
be located in the Federal Capital territory and will be
symbolic for development and inclusion. Upon the
facilitation of basic infrastructure and design for its
take-off by Government, Diaspora members willing to own
propriety and investment in such dedicated area will be
invited to bid for allocation. But rather than being just a
residential area, the Diaspora Village will be divided into
segments for various socio-economic activities, with a
substantial part dedicated to industrialization, investment
and invention to accelerate development, particularly with
respect to technology transfer and employment. Government is
confident about the capacity of the initiative to boost the
nation's GDP and development in all areas. Besides the
location of the National Diaspora Village in Abuja,
Government shall also encourage the replication of the model
at regional and state levels through the coordinating role
of the OSSAPFAD.
3.19 Creation of a Diaspora Category in the
National Award Programme
The annual National Award Programme of the Federal
Government has been one of the highpoints in the recognition
of excellence in the country. As the Diaspora gains
recognition in the development scheme of the nation,
Government shall create a category of awards in the annual
National Award Programme for the Nigerian Diaspora. The
awards will serve as Government's commitment to
rewarding outstanding members of the Diaspora whose
individual or collective achievements in education,
professionalism, business, invention and investment as well
as sports and culture have translated into consolidating
Nigeria's development nationally and globally. The
nomination and award processes shall be part of the
coordinating responsibilities of the OSSAPFAD.
3.20 Institutionalization of Diaspora
Communities and Associations
One critical step in the process of
engaging the Diaspora is for the country to know its
Diaspora by determining the huge population of Nigerians
dispersed across the globe, residing in what country or
region, of what expertise and potentials and in what groups
and associations.
3.21 Facilitation of the development
of a central online hub that connects all the Diaspora
Associations with government online platform
The online platform would promote
dialogue and action on economic development in Nigeria.
The numbers, distribution, skills, prosperity, and level of
integration of the Diaspora will thus define the universe of
possibilities for Diaspora partnerships and in developing
effective Diaspora policies and programs.
3.22 Creation of comprehensive
database of professional, skilled Diaspora and Business
Associations to facilitate development of partnerships
between local professionals and those abroad
The exercise of mapping the Diaspora
offers the opportunity to generate knowledge on the business
opportunities and partnerships that are available both at
home and abroad, what the Diaspora is willing and able to
offer and what it expects from Nigerian businesses in
return.
3.23 Representation of the Diaspora
Network in the design and implementation of Nigeria's
development strategies
The Network, once established, would
play a significant role in contributing to the economic
growth of the country as well as foster Nigeria's
international reputation. It will also be a valuable
resource for the Government as members of the network can
offer advice on various positions on global issues and
international trade and tourism, such as lobbying with the
host country. The Diaspora can lobby for collective ends
such as pressing for debt cancellation, trade concessions,
exploration of markets and enhanced aid budgets in the
social services. Through such lobby, the Diaspora can
influence the policy options and strategies of policy makers
in their host countries.
3.24 Development of initiatives that
promote sense of togetherness among the various Diaspora
groups
The Network will enable the activities
of the Diaspora groups to be streamlined and harmonized for
effective participation as well as foster linkages among the
groups. It will also ensure that there are initiatives to
promote Nigeria's image, culture and national heritage
abroad in a coherent and coordinated manner.
3.25 Promotion of Diaspora Investments
and Savings
Nigeria recognizes the fact that the
Diaspora can contribute to defining their home country's
value proposition and nation brand. This Policy Priority
Area offers the basis for Diaspora investments and savings
at home.
The Diaspora has the potential to play
a crucial role in Foreign Direct Investment and in nurturing
the venture capital industry. International migrants save
a significant part of their income in their host countries,
whereas these could have formed a potential contribution of
the Diaspora to the development of their home country.
Nigerian financial institutions will therefore be encouraged
to build their networks and operations globally in order to
attract the Nigerian Diaspora to save and invest through
them.
3.26 Establishment and Regulation of
Diaspora Bonds
Diaspora bonds could be further used
to mobilize savings for financing development projects. The
legal framework for the regulation of Diaspora bonds should
both encourage financial institutions to offer the service
and the Diaspora to get involved in the service, through
initiatives within financial institutions and private
companies, such as attractive interest rates.
3.27 Facilitate Remittance of
Funds
Nigerians abroad have been sending
funds home and these have contributed to the quality of life
at personal, community and national levels. Nigeria
therefore, recognises the importance of Diaspora financial
remittances and how other countries have benefited from
it. The Policy will therefore ensure that:
3.28 Government liberalizes the market
for cross-border money transfer operators so as to reduce
transaction costs
The use of informal channels has
thrived as a result of high transaction costs for money
transfers, taxation on remittances and restrictive
legislations of both host and recipient countries. While
Government has consistently engaged financial institutions
involved in money transfer in order to encourage affordable
charges and competitive rates for cross-border money
transfer transactions to encourage use of formal channels,
it will also strive to ensure optimal liberalization of the
money transfer market and advocate the innovation of
economic strategies for promoting greater remittances from
the Diaspora.
3.29 Build Data on
Remittances
Important as they are, data on
remittances, in terms of volume, source and impact, is
scanty. Lack of comprehensive data on the volume of
remittances is as a result of the fact that many
transactions remain unrecorded due to the use of informal
channels. Building reliable data on remittances will avail
the necessary authorities of dependable information for
national planning and policy making.
3.30 Knowledge/Skills
Transfer
This Policy Priority Area seeks to
leverage on the expertise and potentials of the Diaspora to
develop Nigeria's infrastructure, science and technology,
innovation, agriculture and agro-allied, nuclear technology
for peaceful purpose, solid mineral development, public
health, trade and investment, job creation, education,
industrialisation, ICT, energy, etc. This Policy
will:
3.31 Promote the formation and linking of professional
associations, including scientific knowledge networks for
domestic and Diaspora communities
Nigeria's Diaspora community has a
vast array of skills and successful professionals who can
contribute to the socioeconomic development of the country
through various fields of their expertise. These
professionals would therefore be encouraged and facilitated
to integrate with and participate in the existing local
knowledge networks and create new networks for this purpose
in order to facilitate the sharing of experiences and best
practices.
3.32 Create safe and trusted communication and
knowledge sharing platforms through development and
maintenance of ICT infrastructure and virtual
networks
There are numerous ways the country
can harness the potential in its kinship with the Diaspora
through the development, utilization and maintenance of
information communication technologies, as well as physical
and virtual networking mechanisms.
3.33 Promote volunteerism through development of
internship and volunteer programs in various sectors at home
for the young and upcoming Diaspora
professionals
The spirit of volunteerism inherent in
developed countries can be promoted, harnessed and further
encouraged for engagement in development activities,
programmes and projects in Nigeria by the
Diaspora.
3.34 Develop and strengthen existing
initiatives to encourage, attract, retain and support
home-based migration of high-level expertise on permanent or
temporary basis
The opportunities of mobility have
become increasingly apparent as high level experts,
professionals and specialists migrate for better
remuneration and beneficial work environment to developed
countries. The requisite environment for engagement by
high-level Diaspora experts in the country should be
fostered in order to encourage their participation in the
short, medium and long term.
3.35 Diaspora
Philanthropy
Nigeria recognizes the fact that
Government alone cannot effectively address all sectors of
development and as such partnerships with the private sector
and the Diaspora are becoming increasingly and evidently
important. Therefore, this Policy shall:
i. Acknowledge and support
works of charity by Diaspora foundations
The Government will acknowledge the
profound contributions of the Nigerian Diaspora philanthropy
to the national cause and align same with the National
Development Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals
(SDGs) for a wider and lasting impact.
ii. Organise Awards and
Recognition Events involving Diaspora individuals and
associations for their efforts to support their
homeland
The Government appreciates the Nigeria
Diaspora for their continued involvement in homeland affairs
through community developmental projects, relief and aid
efforts. These efforts will not only be consolidated
through formal/normal channels to strengthen their impact
and sustainability, but the enabling individuals,
associations or groups will also be duly recognized and
awarded for their patriotic efforts.
iii. Provide timely information
on the needs of local communities that may be of interest to
the Diaspora
In order to facilitate and streamline
the effective utilization of the generous application of
Diaspora resources in nation building, Government across all
levels will provide a reliable database of development needs
across the country for access by the Diaspora in the
determination of their point of intervention and nature of
engagement.
3.36 Supporting the
Diaspora
While the Diaspora may have left the
shores of the country in search of greater economic,
educational, professional and social opportunities, they
remain a valuable and integral part and asset of the nation
and will be supported in their existence and endeavours in
acknowledgment of their value, relevance and import to the
nation. This Policy will therefore:
3.36.1 Improve awareness among
Nigerians of the availability of Consular Services and the
role of Nigeria Missions abroad
Government in conjunction with
relevant stakeholders will continue to work with host
authorities to help Nigerian citizens in normalizing their
immigration status as well as dealing with issues concerning
the Diaspora in those destination countries as they
arise.
3.36.2 Promote research and define
emerging needs of Nigerian emigrants
Government acknowledges the fact that
Nigerians in the Diaspora are at different levels of
settlement in the host countries. While some are better
equipped for the demands of life abroad, others remain
vulnerable to the conditions of the host country as well as
the challenges of life upon returning home. There are a
number of factors that can render emigrants vulnerable, and
these include age, evolving immigration and other laws,
employment status and health. Requisite research into
these factors will be promoted in order to enable emerging
needs of the Diaspora to be determined and ways and means of
intervention defined.
3.36.3 Facilitate a vibrant sense of
community and Nigerian identity abroad
Nigerian Missions will engage with the
Diaspora to facilitate activities and programmes that will
inculcate the national spirit as well as encourage communal
and convivial interaction among the Diaspora.
3.36.4 Development of facilities and
initiatives to support returning Diaspora
Nigeria has always striven to assist
her people abroad who have been in various situations
demanding urgent attention. Improved coordination and
systems in the protection of the Diaspora and support to
returnees will be pursued for their successful and
productive induction into the Nigerian society.
3.37 Financial law reforms
Financial laws in the country shall be reformed to
encourage Diaspora investors to access financial facilities
as well as protect investors.
CHAPTER FOUR
STRATEGIC APPROACH TO MOBILIZATION AND ENGAGEMENT
(SAME)
This chapter provides the justification for
identifying Diaspora based on critical needs for national
development anchored on the principles of Engagement,
Enablement and Mutual Empowerment.
4.0 DIASPORA MAPPING AND NEEDS
In order to have a process of mapping Diaspora
expertise relevant to national development, it is pertinent
to identify specific areas of needs of the MDAs. For the
purpose of this mapping, the under listed sectors are
relevant:
4.1 EDUCATION
4.1.1 LECTURERS AND TEACHERS
Government shall continue to encourage lecturers
and teachers in Diaspora whose skills and knowledge are
relevant to Nigerian educational development to volunteer
their services at their convenience. These lecturers and
teachers shall be provided with necessary logistic support
when they accept to volunteer their services.
4.1.2 Student Exchanges and
Internships
Students' Exchange and Internships are avenues
through which Nigerian Diaspora students can be exposed to
Nigerian educational, economic and socio- cultural
environment. Relevant agencies shall structure remuneration
for students exchanges based on skills, knowledge and
countries of abode; based on their relevance to Nigerian
educational needs.
4.1.3 Research and Development (R &
D)
Research and Development form the bedrock of any
country's socio-economic, political, industrial and
technological development. In order to achieve the ambition
of becoming one of the twenty most developed countries, it
is imperative that Nigeria invest immensely in R & D.
Government shall continue to encourage Diaspora to
contribute to Research and development in the
country.
4.2 HEALTH CARE
In view of the importance attached to the
healthcare sector in the country, Government
shall:
a) create enabling environment for Nigerian
health care providers practicing overseas to easily migrate
to Nigeria and practice their professions;
b) encourage professional bodies to allow
health care providers to register and practice without
bottlenecks;
c) put in place programmes for the
re-orientation of health care practitioners from the
Diaspora and in Nigeria to acquaint these providers with
values, rules and regulations of their
professions;
d) encourage Nigerian health care providers
practicing abroad to return home and practice, as against
the recruitment of foreign health care providers;
and
e) encourage training and specialization of
health care providers in critical health care areas. And
also encourage the current medical missions being organized
by Diaspora.
4.3 WAIVERS
Government shall continue to encourage Nigerian
Diaspora importing medical equipment into Nigeria for
intervention under this policy by granting
waivers.
4.4 TRADE AND INVESTMENT
In order to facilitate Diaspora involvement in
trade and investment Government shall:
a. Provide enabling environment for Diaspora
participation in trade and investment in
Nigeria;
b. ensure adequate security of lives and
property of Diaspora and their accompanying investors in
Nigeria;
c. continue to improve on Power and Energy
to attract and sustain viable investment;
d. continue to encourage financial
institutions to protect and regulate disbursement of
Diaspora financial inflows and outflows; and
e. continue to improve infrastructural needs
to boost the economy and attract investors.
4.5 SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION
(STI)
The success of any country is dependent on its
scientific and technological competitive advantage.
Nigeria's interest in mobilizing and engaging Diaspora to
enhance development of Science and Technology cannot be over
emphasized. To this end, Government shall:
a. Through appropriate channels encourage
Diaspora Teachers and Lecturers in areas of Science and
Technology to return both on short and long term basis to
volunteer their service;
b. encourage MDAs to identify critical need
areas and ensure that teachers, lecturers and students
engage in both local and international science and
technology seminars, workshops and conferences;
c. encourage MDAs to identify critical
needs and make that available to the OSSAPFAD on Diaspora
Mobilization for easy access to science and technology
lecturers, teachers and students; and
d. encourage Diaspora experts with critical
skills to return and contribute to the development of the
nation by the use of electronic devices that can translate
their ideas and opinions to the areas of need in
Nigeria.
4.6 POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
Government shall encourage the realization of
Diaspora's rights to vote, as soon as possible in line
with its recognition as Nigeria's undeclared 7th
Geopolitical Zone.
4.7 AGRICULTURE
Government shall continue to encourage Nigerian
Diaspora to contribute to the development of agriculture in
the following areas
i. Commercial Agriculture
ii. Extension services
iii. Food storage and
preservation
iv. Improved seed varieties
v. Food processing, etc.
4.8 HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT
Government shall continue to encourage relevant
institutions to develop appropriate programmes and measures
to promote Diaspora investment in housing and urban
development in Nigeria.
CHAPTER FIVE
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR POLICY
IMPLEMENTATION
The successful implementation of this policy which
shall be anchored and coordinated by the Office of the
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs
and Diaspora (OSSAPFAD), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the
Federation (OSGF), shall require the involvement and active
participation of relevant MDAs, recognised Diaspora
Organisations, Private Sector, Civil Society Organizations
(CSOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Community
Based Organizations (CBOs), various Faith Based
Organizations (FBOs) and the Diaspora Resource and Research
Centre (DRRC), among others.
5.0 FORMATION OF PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
ON DIASPORA MATTERS.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on
Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (SSAPFAD) shall oversee the
formation and Chair the Presidential Advisory Committee
on Diaspora Matters (PACDM). The Committee, which shall
be constituted by the President shall be made up of not less
that 9 members, including a representative of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
Other members may be co-opted as and when deemed
necessary. OSSAPFAD shall provide the secretariat to the
Committee. The PACDM will meet at least quarterly to
deliberate on issues and receive feedback from the key
stakeholders. It shall also be responsible for Monitoring
and Evaluation in collaboration with support from Diaspora
and Transnational Studies Programme University of Ibadan
(DTSPUI) and ensuring that its activities are mainstreamed
into the national development framework.
5.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NIGERIANS IN DIASPORA
COMMISSION
The Commission shall be established by the Bill For
An Act to Establish the Nigerians In Diaspora Commission,
Provide For The Engagement Of Nigerians In Diaspora In The
Policies, Projects And Participation In The Development Of
Nigeria And For The Purpose Of Utilising The Human Capitl
And Material Resource Of Nigeria Towards The Overall
Socioeconomic, Cultural And Political Development Of Nigeria
And For Related Matters, which is currently in the National
Assembly, upon its passing.
The Commission shall be domiciled under the
Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
5.2 IMPLEMENTING
AGENCIES/INSTITUTIONS
The following institutions shall be responsible for
implementing this policy and its programmes:
5.2.1 OFFICE OF THE SENIOR SPECIAL ASSISTANT TO THE
PRESIDENT ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DIASPORA
(OSSAPFAD)
a. The Office of the Senior Special
Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora (OSSAPFAD), shall
engage in the design of workable Diaspora programmes that
would be supported by all the institutions involved in the
policy implementation process. These programmes would
primarily assist in mapping and identifying the skills,
efficiencies and preference that each Diaspora individual
and groups could offer.
b. The OSSAPFAD shall be responsible for
organizing Annual Diaspora Day/Conference and any other
diaspora activities within and outside the country. It shall
liaise with other agencies that have roles and implement
specific programmes relating to Diaspora. Within the mandate
of its institutional framework, the Office shall consider
the possibility of mobilizing resources to establish
Diaspora Fund. The Fund will serve as common pool for
financing programmes targeted at harnessing the potentials
of Diaspora for National Development. The Office may
allocate such resources to various institutions and
organizations upon request to finance Diaspora related
programmes.
5.2.2 INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL
COMMISSION
(INEC)
The Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) shall be responsible for implementing the policy with
respect to Diaspora participation in politics and their
right to vote.
5.2.3 Ministry of Foreign Affairs
(MFA)
The Ministry shall provide policy guidelines for
Missions/Consulates to address Diaspora-related issues and
ensure that the Nigerian Foreign Policy gives priority to
the protection of every Nigerian. It shall work closely with
the Nigerian Communities abroad to provide the necessary
advice on issuance of travel documents, Visa and Work Permit
requirements. It shall initiate dialogue with host countries
to enter into bilateral agreements to ensure protection of
Nigerians. It shall also facilitate collaboration dialogues
with members of Historical African Diaspora whose
collaboration proposals hold the promise of enhancing
Nigerian development. Thus;
i. The Nigerian Diplomatic Missions shall
facilitate the mobilization, proper documentation and
integration of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Ii Nigerian Embassies and Consulates will
adopt effective communication strategies to disseminate
government policies and other sundry matters to the
Diaspora.
iii. A Nigerian Diaspora Day to be
celebrated in various host countries to complement the
Diaspora Day celebrated in Nigeria.
iv. Oversight by the Nigerian Missions of
the Social Welfare and protection of the Diaspora in Host
Countries.
5.2.4 Diaspora and Transnational Studies Programme,
University of Ibadan (DTSPUI)
The Diaspora and Transnational Studies Programme in
the University of Ibadan is a specialist institution that is
the first and only postgraduate research programme to be so
named and organized strategically around Diaspora matters in
Africa. The institution, which is based at the Institute of
African Studies, shall provide research and intellectual
expertise and shall advise both on the production and
application of knowledge relating to Diaspora matters for
all round development in Nigeria and its Diaspora as
specifically conceived in this document. It shall work
closely with the main agency, the Office of Senior Special
Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora
(OSSAPFAD) and other agencies in facilitating the
implementation of the policy. To ensure seamless and
utmost research performance relating to Diaspora matters,
the programme shall work with OSSAPFAD for the establishment
of a world class Diaspora Resource and Research Centre
(DRRC) in the University of Ibadan.
5.2.5 National Population Commission
(NPC)
The National Population Commission (NPC) shall
collaborate with the OSSAPFAD and MFA as well as other
stakeholders in establishing and periodically updating the
database on Nigerian Diaspora.
5.2.6 National Universities Commission
(NUC)
The NUC shall have the responsibilities of
designing and implementing programmes aimed at linking
experts and academics in the Diaspora to the development of
university education in Nigeria.
5.2.7 Nigerian National Volunteer Service
(NNVS)
As well as its statutory role, the Nigerian
National Volunteer Service shall be involved liaising with
the main agency to facilitate exchanges that specifically
address Diaspora needs.
5.2.8 Ministry of Budget and National Planning
(MBNP)
The Ministry shall ensure that issues relating to
Diaspora are included in the mainstream national development
agenda. Accordingly, the Ministry shall monitor and ensure
that all activities and programmes are implemented as well
as integrated into all MDAs for national
development.
5.2.9 Federal Ministry of Labour and
Employment
The Ministry shall incorporate issues relating to
Diaspora in developing and implementing programmes within
the National Labour Migration Policy on human resource
planning and utilization. The Ministry shall also reach out
to Diaspora through the OSSAPFAD to create awareness on
employment opportunities within the country.
5.2.10 National Commission for Refugees, Migrants
and Internally
Displaced Persons (NCFRMI)
The Commission shall ensure the effective
implementation of the common strategy for sharing and
managing migration and Diaspora related
information.
5.2.11 Federal Ministry of
Information
Awareness creation is imperative in showing the
development contribution of Nigerians in Diaspora. In this
respect, the Ministry of Information shall collaborate with
the media and Nigerian Diaspora in highlighting and
educating Nigerians on the importance of Diaspora on
development issues.
5.2.12 Federal Ministry of
Education
The Ministry in collaboration with other relevant
stakeholders shall design schemes for the Nigerian Diaspora
to return periodically to the country for project-tied
tasks.
5.2.13 Federal Ministry of Health
The Federal Ministry of Health shall ensure the
effective implementation of programmes within the framework
of the National Health Policy.
5.2.14 Nigerian Immigration Services
(NIS)
The Ministry, of Interior through the Nigeria
Immigration Services, shall ensure collaboration and share
information with the OSSAPFAD and NPopC on data relating to
Nigerian Diaspora.
5.2.15 Central Bank of Nigeria
(CBN)
The CBN shall continue to facilitate cost effective
remittances by Nigerians in Diaspora through appropriate
policies.
5.2.16 Federal Ministry of Industry Trade and
Investment
(FMITI)
The Ministry shall continue to ensure that all
parastatals/agencies under its supervision create avenues
for Diaspora participation in trade and
investment.
5.2.17 National Assembly Committees on Diaspora
Affairs (NACDA)
The National Assembly Committees on Diaspora
Affairs may contribute to the implementation of this policy
by supporting the legal framework(s) on
Diaspora.
5.2.18 NATIONAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY
(NEMA)
NEMA shall support the OSSAPFAD in identifying
Nigerians in Diaspora who can contribute to national
development in addressing the challenges in the area of
disaster risk management as well as search and rescue
missions.
5.2.19 FEDERAL MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
(FMOJ)
The Federal Ministry of Justice shall ensure that
the implementation of the National Policy on Diaspora is in
line with the relevant laws in the country.
5.2.20 INDEPENDENT CORRUPT PRACTICES COMMISSION
(ICPC) AND ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC)
The Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)
and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) as
well as other monitoring agencies shall ensure
accountability and transparency should be institutionalized
to build confidence and trust of the Diaspora by
strengthening the roles and powers of anti-graft
agencies.
5.2.21 CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC) AND
NIGERIAN INVESTMENT PROMOTION COUNCIL (NIPC)
Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Nigerian
Investment Promotion Council (NIPC) shall provide
Regulations and handle bureaucracy, especially on company
regulations and other investment requirements.
5.2.22 FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICES
(FIRS)
Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) and state
tax boards shall introduce incentives like applicable tax
rebates for Diaspora investors.
5.2.23 Other implementing Ministries, Departments and
Agencies
i. National Commission for Refugees,
Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons;
ii. Ministry of Budget and National
Planning;
iii. Federal Ministry of
Information;
iv. Federal Ministry of
Interior;
v. Federal Ministry of Science and
Technology
5.3 OTHER STAKEHOLDERS
Relevant stakeholders shall provide necessary
support to Government in building partnership towards
mainstreaming Diaspora issues into national development
agenda. These stakeholders shall include the
following:
5.3.1 ORGANISATIONS OF NIGERIANS IN
DIASPORA
Recognised Organisations of Nigerians in Diaspora
shall facilitate:
i. Mobilization of Diaspora
ii. Registration of Nigerians in their
host countries
iii. Encouragement of its members to
contribute to national development
5.3.2 MEMBERS OF HISTORIC AFRICAN DIASPORA
(HAD)
The Nigerian Government recognizes the Historic
African Diaspora as a strategic partner. Government shall
endeavour to welcome as many individuals and groups of the
Historic African Diaspora community that seek to collaborate
with Nigeria on the implementation of the policy for
development. As mandated, such collaboration shall be
coordinated by the main agency together with others.
5.3.3 MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS
(FMWA)
The Ministry of Women Affairs shall work in
partnership and the National Emergency Management Agency
(NEMA) in particular to attend to the peculiar needs of
African women and children in Diaspora where necessary
during moments of emergencies, disasters, distress and human
rights violation.
5.3.4 CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
(CSOs)
Civil Society Organizations shall participate in
the effective monitoring and evaluation of the impact of
this policy.
5.3.5 Development Partners
Development partners shall partner with the
Government, the private sector, the Civil Societies and
recognised Organisations of Nigerians in Diaspora in terms
of financial and technical support within the framework of
this policy.
5.3.6 DIASPORA AND RESOURCE AND RESEARCH CENTRE
(DRRC)
The Diaspora Resource and Research Centre (DRRC) to
be hosted in the University of Ibadan in complementation of
the Diaspora and Transnational Studies Programme, shall be
responsible for training and retraining of diplomatic staff
charged with Diaspora responsibilities. The centre shall
also be responsible for pre-emigration training and other
trainings relating to Diaspora matters.
5.4 INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK
It is important to have institutional
framework to guide the operators of this Policy. In this
regard, the Federal Government and the National Assembly can
work together to enact necessary laws, with the Office of
the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), in
conjunction with the Office of the Senior Special Assistant
to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora playing a
supervisory role.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is
central to the management and coordination of all issues
concerning the Diaspora. It supervises all the activities on
Diaspora matters through its network of Diplomatic and
Consular Missions with well-established Diaspora Desks to
handle and oversee all issues concerning the
Diaspora.
Under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa (DTCA)
has, inter alia, the mandate to enhance Africa's
development by creating the enabling environment and
opportunity for Nigerian professionals to invest their
immense intellect, expertise and skills in Nigeria's
economy and to continually sensitize and mobilize Nigerians
both at home and in the Diaspora to effectively participate
in the nation's development process.
The Office of the Senior Special
Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora
and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall therefore
coordinate the implementation of the Policy in collaboration
with all relevant Ministries and Agencies as well as with
recognised Organisations of Nigerians in
Diaspora.
5.6 MONITORING AND EVALUATION
To achieve the targets and objectives set out in
this document, it will be necessary to have an effective
monitoring and evaluation framework in place. The
framework will provide for regular consultation and feedback
between stakeholders entrusted with the implementation of
this Policy.
The Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the
President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs and the Office of the Secretary to the
Government of the Federation (OSGF) shall on regular basis
monitor and evaluate progress of implementation of the
Policy by key stakeholders, facilitate identification of
deviation from set targets, take corrective measures and
rate the overall success of the Policy.
They shall evolve a periodic monitoring and
evaluation framework for periodic assessment of the extent
to which the programmes and activities relating to Nigerian
Diaspora and their implementation meet up with the
nation's development goals for improvement.
--
Listserv moderated by
Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin
To post to this group,
send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@
googlegroups.com
To subscribe to this
group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue+subscribe@
googlegroups.com
Current archives at http://groups.google.com/
group/USAAfricaDialogue
Early archives at http://www.utexas.edu/
conferences/africa/ads/index. html
---
You received this message
because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA
Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this
group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@
googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/
optout.
--
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the
Google Groups "AfricanWorldForum" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails
from it, send an email to africanworldforum+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to africanworldforum@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/africanworldforum.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/africanworldforum/CAORq2DCogLpqNa8RSi8aefsQ2UF9HKmkt7QrFO%3D8LJp_XXbwoA%40mail.gmail.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
--
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the
Google Groups "AfricanWorldForum" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails
from it, send an email to africanworldforum+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
To post to this group, send email to africanworldforum@googlegroups.com.
Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/group/africanworldforum.
To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/africanworldforum/2146467762.5915632.1480940873953%40mail.yahoo.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
__._,_.___
Posted by: "gukaegbu" <gukaegbu@comcast.net>
Reply
via web post
•
Reply to sender
•
Reply to group
•
Start
a New Topic
•
Messages
in this topic
(1)
Have you tried the highest rated
email app?
With 4.5 stars
in iTunes, the Yahoo Mail app is the highest rated email app
on the market. What are you waiting for? Now you can access
all your inboxes (Gmail, Outlook, AOL and more) in one
place. Never delete an email again with 1000GB of free cloud
storage.
Visit
Your Group
• Privacy
• Unsubscribe
• Terms
of Use
.
__,_._,___
--
Listserv moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at
Austin
To post to this group, send an email to
USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To subscribe to this group, send an email to
USAAfricaDialogue+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Current archives at http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
Early archives at http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the
Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series"
group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails
from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
--
Listserv moderated by Toyin Falola, University of Texas at Austin
To post to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue@googlegroups.com
To subscribe to this group, send an email to USAAfricaDialogue+subscribe@googlegroups.com
Current archives at http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue
Early archives at http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa/ads/index.html
---
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to usaafricadialogue+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment