The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced a new housing scheme aimed at providing Nigerians living abroad with safe and reliable access to property investment opportunities in the country.
Known as the Diaspora Home and Abroad Housing Platform, the scheme is set to be officially launched during the upcoming National Diaspora Day celebration, scheduled for July 25–26 in Abuja.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the initiative as a long-awaited solution to the difficulties many Nigerians abroad face when trying to acquire property back home.
“The theme for this year’s event, ‘Optimising Formidable Diaspora Potentials for National Development and Growth,’ is a call to action,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “It urges us to go beyond words and take decisive steps to engage the full potential of our over 20 million-strong diaspora community.”
She emphasized that the new platform will offer a secure and transparent process for diaspora Nigerians to invest in real estate without falling victim to fraud.
“This housing platform will be the key highlight of this year’s celebration,” she explained. “With this, our people abroad will be able to own property in Nigeria without the fear of being swindled—provided they go through the platform.”
Dabiri-Erewa pointed to recent figures showing that Nigerians abroad remitted over $20 billion in 2024—an amount that surpassed the country’s foreign direct investment.
According to her, beyond the financial remittances, diaspora Nigerians possess a wealth of skills, knowledge, and global networks that can significantly contribute to national development if properly harnessed.
She also spoke on the progress NiDCOM has made in ensuring that the voices of diaspora Nigerians are reflected in national policy and development planning. This includes the creation of Diaspora Focal Point Officers in various states, the introduction of the National Diaspora Policy, and the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit.
“The engagement is no longer just theoretical; it is now practical and making real impact,” she noted.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa called on stakeholders including government institutions, private sector players, the media, and members of the diaspora to actively take part in the celebration.
“Let us make this year’s event more than just another ceremony. Let it be remembered for the progress we make, the partnerships we build, and the futures we unlock,” she urged.
She also extended appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ongoing support for diaspora-related initiatives, and thanked the various partners working with NiDCOM to strengthen the role of Nigerians abroad in national development.
