The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) have sought strategic partnership aimed at harnessing the expertise of Nigerians abroad to accelerate the country’s innovation and technology drive.
At a meeting in Abuja, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO and Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, outlined plans to link Nigeria’s local innovators with global talents in the Diaspora.
According to a statement by the Commission, the initiative is expected to deepen collaboration in science, technology, engineering, and entrepreneurship, while positioning Nigeria as a hub for creative solutions under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dabiri-Erewa described the partnership as a “timely intervention,” noting that it would serve as a bridge between Nigerians at home and abroad in driving national progress.
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She added that NiDCOM would support NASENI’s ongoing programmes and encouraged the agency to participate in the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS) scheduled for November 11–13, 2025, in Abuja.
“I believe this collaboration will provide opportunities for Nigerians everywhere to share ideas, skills, and experiences that can help build a stronger and more innovative Nigeria,” she said.
Halilu, on his part, highlighted several NASENI projects already making impact, including Revolut, a low-cost real-time payment platform serving thousands of Nigerians; the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme funding local and Diaspora innovators; and Delta-2, a technology partnership with the Czech Republic that enters its third phase this month.
He revealed that NASENI is working on two new flagship initiatives, a government-backed multi-currency payment platform designed to make cross-border transactions seamless, flexible, and affordable, and a Diaspora engagement programme that will attract scientists, technologists, and entrepreneurs to contribute to practical projects capable of driving economic growth.
“NiDCOM’s extensive database of Diaspora professionals is a vital resource, and we look forward to working closely with the Commission to unlock its potential,” Halilu stated.
Both agencies agreed to establish a joint working committee to map out areas of collaboration, with a strong focus on STEM development and Diaspora-driven innovation projects.
