The House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora has launched the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) application and website, which is a digital platform created to bridge communication gaps between the Nigerian government and Nigerians in the diaspora.
The unveiling ceremony occurred on Monday during the First Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025), held at the National Assembly complex, Abuja.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who declared the event open, said that Nigerians in the diaspora performed well globally and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economy and image.
Hon. Patrick Umoh, who represented Abbas, said, “The House recognizes the vital and irreplaceable role Nigerians abroad play in building the nation’s image and sustaining its economy. Beyond remittances, their involvement in innovation, trade, diplomacy, and humanitarian causes has reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as a country of excellence and enterprise.
According to him, legislative efforts are being made to improve the consular, immigration, and documentation processes to improve access to the services of the Nigerian government for its citizens abroad.
He said, “This includes improvements in passport processing, emergency consular responses, and digital access to official services. The House seeks to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that frustrate Nigerians abroad and replace them with transparent, efficient, and responsive systems.”
Abbas reiterated the House’s commitment to partner with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to protect the interests of its citizens abroad.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, said, “The platform provides features such as real-time incident reporting, helpdesk support for emergencies, verified user profiles, embassy service directories, and dashboards for diaspora investments and volunteering opportunities.”
In her remarks, Chairman and CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, stated that, “With this app, communication will become easier and more effective. The House has done a great job, and NIDCOM will ensure its smooth operation.”
Regarding diaspora voting, she said, “We have about 17 million Nigerians in the diaspora. A diaspora, by definition, is someone legally resident abroad, paying taxes, and with a verified address. Such citizens should have a voice in shaping the nation’s future.”
