University of Abuja, NIDCOM Partner to Enhance Migration Management

The Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, says, the university, through the newly established Centre for Migration Studies, is willing to partner the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) for better migration management. Na’Allah stated this during a visit to the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon.Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja. The Vice Chancellor emphasized that the visit was to foster partnership for better migration management. Na’Allah described the University as an institution with large impact, noting that it is the first to introduce Distance Learning in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to leverage learning opportunities for Public Servants and other Nigerians all over the country. “As an Institution situated in the centre of Nigeria, with over 50,000 students and also the first University the Embassies come to interact with, we are ready to partner with you on the job you do as a Commission” he added. The VC stated that the Centre is willing to talk to Nigerians and educate them on regular migration with information on several ways to migrate legitimately. In his words, “we can work on joint research, joint sensitization effort to curb migration crisis, train your staff and other possible ways to best enhance migration management”. Receiving the delegation on behalf of the Chairman/CEO NiDCOM, Dr. Sule Yakubu Bassi, Secretary to the Commission, welcomed the initiatives with so much enthusiasm, noting that the Commission is fully committed to better migration management. Bassi describes the partnership as essential, reiterating that migration is a natural phenomenon that can not be stopped but can be beneficial if properly managed. “Different factors such as push factor and pull factor leads to migration, what we do is to see how we can turn it into a win-win situation by encouraging those intending, to migrate regularly so they can contribute their own quota to National Development” Bassi noted. He further urged the university to also look at means through which the Diaspora can be encouraged to maintain ties with their homeland. “We engage with the over 20 million Nigerian Diaspora by enabling them with knowledge on how to engage with Nigeria. They have talents, resources, and global exposure, which can be harnessed for national development.” Bassi added. The Secretary elaborated how the Commission continues to attract Nigerians back home and their investments through numerous programmes guided by the National Diaspora Policy, such as Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, Diaspora Mortgage Scheme and the National Diaspora Merit Award amongst others.

UK Govt Increases List of Organizations that Can Sponsor Nigerian Immigrants

The United Kingdom government has released a revised list of companies and organizations authorized to sponsor skilled immigrants applying for temporary worker visas from Nigeria. The official website, as of January 12, 2024, reveals a significant increase, with a total of 99,856 approved companies, marking a notable rise of 31,226 from the previous count in January 2023, which stood at 68,630. The list spans various industries, including technology, commerce, education, media and advertising, and engineering, among others. The UK government, in an announcement on its website, detailed the categories of workers these sponsors are licensed to support, including charity workers, skilled workers, creative workers, global business mobility: senior or specialist workers, and international sportspersons. Aspiring individuals are encouraged to visit the companies’ websites to explore available job opportunities. The companies listed are: 1. RSS Express Ltd T/A Ledbury Fuel Service Station 2. IECC Care (Independent Excel Care Consortium Limited) 3. AboutCare Hastings Ltd 4. £ ESS Ltd 5. Architect UK Ltd 6. Home Accommodation Services Ltd 7. Ur Eaz Ltd 8. Infiniti Limited 9. Brunswick Stores Limited 10. Plus Care Ltd 11. 003 Ltd 12. 0086 Ltd 13. 00Nation Limited 14. 01 Accounting Services Ltd 15. 012 Global Ltd 16. 023 Ltd 17. 0xA Technologies Ltd 18. 1 Ace Training Limited 19. 1 and 1 Rougamo Limited 20. 1 and 5 Tech Ltd 21. 1 Answer Insurance Services Ltd, among others. This move is expected to enhance employment opportunities and foster international collaboration between the UK and Nigeria in various sectors. Interested parties are urged to explore the expanded list for potential job openings and sponsorships.

Nigeria’s Diaspora Remittances Predicted to Surpass $20 Billion in 2023, World Bank Reports

The World Bank’s recent Migration and Development Brief forecasts a significant upsurge in diaspora remittances flowing into Nigeria to surpass a staggering $20 billion by year-end, 2023. This surge reflects a broader trend of a 1.9% increase in total remittances within the Sub-Saharan Africa region. The report, unveiled this month, outlines projections indicating that remittances to Sub-Saharan Africa will rise from $53 billion in 2022 to $54 billion in 2023. Furthermore, it anticipates a continued upward trajectory, reaching $55 billion by 2024. The tempered growth in 2023 is attributed to the sluggish pace of expansion in high-income economies, where a significant number of Sub-Saharan African migrants earn their livelihoods. Nigeria, serving as the recipient of 38% of remittance flows to the region, experienced a marginal uptick of approximately two percent. Similarly, other key beneficiaries such as Ghana and Kenya registered estimated gains of 5.6% and 3.8%, respectively. The report also highlights the influence of fixed exchange rates and capital controls, diverting remittances away from official channels towards unofficial ones. Looking ahead to 2024, the projections indicate a 2.5% increase in remittance flows to the region. Notably, remittances from the United States have exhibited stability, while the euro area’s recovery remains hampered, with output lingering 2.2% below pre-pandemic projections. The World Bank’s findings underscore the resilience and substantial contribution of Diaspora remittances to the economic landscape of Nigeria and the wider Sub-Saharan African region, albeit in the face of ongoing challenges in global economic recovery.

NIDCOM Boss applauds group for empowering Nigerians in the Diaspora

Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman, Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has commended Avenue Impact, a UK- based consultancy firm, for transforming and empowering Nigerians in the Diaspora to enhance their skills and transition into Project professionals not only in the UK but also in the USA, Canada, Europe, and other parts of the world. Speaking at a networking session with a group of Nigerian professionals in the UK, Dabiri-Erewa also commended them for their support to Nigerians at home to enhance their project management skills and for training and mentoring over 10,000 members of the global Diaspora community. She further noted the commitment of their various mentees who have themselves turned to mentors and uplifting younger ones . At the event, which was also attended by the Mayor of Southwark, Mayor Micheal Situ, a number of those who had been trained by Avenue Impact, testified to the tremendous impact the skills acquired had transformed their lives and enhanced their job acquisition and performance. The NIDCOM boss encouraged them to key into the Commission’s programmes such as National Diaspora Day on July 25, Nigerians Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), Badagry Door of Return, Nigeria Diaspora Housing Scheme amongst others. The Managing director, Mr Funsho Akinwunmi said the event seeks to unite Nigerian Project and IT Professionals, foster networking and discussions on leveraging skills to add value to UK and Nigeria and support the current government’s initiatives. Earlier, Mr Tunji Ajidahun, Programme Director (Avenue Impact Limited) welcomed all and stressed the commitment of the firm to continue to train Nigerians in the diaspora on skills needed for better placements wherever they find themselves. Pastor Smart Kemiki – Managing Director of Dominion4Eever Management Limited gave a talk on how to invest wisely in the UK while Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo – CEO of Pelican Valley Estate spoke on investing in Real Estate in Nigeria. The event was rounded up with a thrilling performance by Music mogul, Paul Play Dairo.