United States of America (USA)-based Professor Mondy Gold has called for the establishment of a Ministry of Diaspora Affairs to “serve as a vital bridge between the Nigerian Diaspora and the Nigerian government.”
Professor Gold, the President, Global Nigerian Diaspora Forum, in a statement, titled, “The Ministry of Diaspora Affairs: Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria and the Need for Realignment of Priorities,” pointed out that the Ministry, if created, can significantly contribute to Nigeria’s development, stressing that already, “the Nigerian Diaspora has been an undeniable force in our country’s advancement, particularly through annual remittances.”
Arguing that such a Ministry “holds the potential to not only mitigate brain drain but also to amplify sustainable development efforts,” Gold insisted that by “fostering closer ties and collaboration with the diaspora community, the government can tap into our expertise, resources, and innovative ideas, thus accelerating the nation’s growth trajectory.”
The Bayelsa State born Don, who had earlier also called for the establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy, which has now been created, pointed out that there is an urgent need for realignment of the foundation for the nation’s sustainable development, insisting that “our nation is at a crucial juncture where strategic steps must be taken to foster growth and prosperity for both our citizens and the country as a whole.”
Before its recent creation, he had insisted that the establishment of a Blue Economy was of paramount importance, arguing that “Nigeria boasts an array of coastal and island communities, each with a profound relationship to our oceans. It is within these maritime domains that untapped opportunities for growth and innovation lie.”
Gold, who is also President, Ijaw Diaspora Council (IDC) had also pointed out that “the potential for advancements in coastal, marine, and maritime sectors is vast, ranging from the provision of essential resources like food and energy to the development of transformative transport and services.
He stressed that “by capitalizing on these possibilities, we can lay a sturdy foundation for sustainable development that benefits both our citizens and our environment.”
The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has now been created, but the Ministry of Diaspora Affairs is still outstanding and in Mondy’s view, very necessary, given the crucial role it can play in the nation’s advancement.
What is currently in place is the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), headed by Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, which can easily be elevated to the status of a full Ministry.
