By Jane Okafor, Abuja
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has pledged to support the initiatives of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM).
Senator Akpoti – Uduaghan, who is the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, gave the assurance on Wednesday when the Chairman of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, visited her at the National Assembly.
A statement by the Senator’s Chief Press Secretary, Israel Arogbonlo, in Abuja, also assured Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, of the committee’s collaboration and expedited action on issues raised which included amending the NIDCOM Act and Diaspora Act, as well as establishing a Diaspora Trust Fund.
During the meeting, Dabiri-Erewa briefed the committee on NIDCOM’s progress, including the establishment of Diaspora focal points in most states and the commission’s intervention programmes for Nigerians imprisoned abroad.
She also highlighted the importance of data mapping to determine the exact number of Nigerians living in each country.
According to the statement, “The meeting marks a significant step towards addressing the challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora.”
Natasha, a barrister, social entrepreneur and politician, represents Kogi Central Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.