The Diaspora Organisation Americas (NiDOA) has called on the Federal Government to prioritise the establishment of a Diaspora Board to enhance effective engagement with Nigerian citizens living abroad.

Dr Victor Ubani, Continental Chair of NiDO-Americas, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

Ubani emphasised that the establishment of the NiDO board would enable Nigerians living abroad to work closely with the government and contribute to the nation’s economic growth.

He noted that the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), was established through the 2017 Establishment Act, and it was now essential to establish the NiDO Board to fully realise its mandate.

“The NiDO Board’s mandate includes engaging Nigerians in Diaspora in policies, projects, and development initiatives, as well as utilising their human capital and material resources for Nigeria’s socio-economic, cultural, and political development.”

Ubani stressed that the establishment of the NiDCOM Board was crucial to validate recognised individuals who could tackle fundamental issues affecting the organisation outside the country.

He reiterated that the failure to establish the Board in the past had weakened the organisation’s efforts to advance initiatives for the progress of Nigeria.

The NiDO boss described the Federal Government’s call for NiDO to work closely with it as apt, saying the establishment of the Board would enable compatriots to promote Nigeria and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.

“Compatriots living outside the country understand the dynamics of problems faced in NiDO-Europe and NiDO-Africa, among others.

“I believe NiDCOM was set up to enable the government to have a Board, consisting of at least 85 per cent of compatriots living in the diaspora.

“For many years, this has not happened, and it is essential to boost opportunities for all Nigerians living outside the country to play a significant role in Nigeria’s development, now and in the future.

“This year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) offers an opportunity for us to reunite as a big diaspora family. The special guest of honour will be Mr Wole Oke, Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

“Other guests include Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission; Mr Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Diaspora Matters; and Amb. Gabriel Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and current OPEC Governor for Nigeria.”

He further urged Nigerians to visit the organisation’s website viawww.nidoa.orgfor further details about the conference. (NAN)