Economy
NISER, NiDCOM Validate Diaspora Study To Strengthen Policy Framework For National Development
NISER, NiDCOM Validate Diaspora Study To Strengthen Policy Framework For National Development
The Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), in collaboration with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has commenced the validation workshop for a major diaspora study titled, “A Six-Continent Survey of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora: Policy Measures for Harnessing Contributions to National Development.”
The workshop, held at BON Hotel, Octagon, Jahi, Abuja, brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, members of the National Assembly Committees, diaspora experts, professional bodies, development partners, members of the media, and representatives from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s engagement with its diaspora community and maximizing their contributions to national development.
Delivering her welcome address, the Director-General of NISER, Antonia Taiye Simbine, described the study as a critical step toward evidence-based policymaking and sustainable diaspora engagement.
She stated that the validation workshop reflects the collective commitment of stakeholders to advancing Nigeria’s development through informed engagement with the diaspora community, noting that the large turnout of experts and partners underscores the importance of the exercise and the value attached to evidence-driven policymaking.
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Simbine explained that NISER, as Nigeria’s foremost policy research institution, is mandated to provide rigorous, evidence-based policy recommendations that address critical socio-economic challenges confronting the country. She said the Institute works closely with relevant MDAs as well as national and international partners in fulfilling this mandate.
According to her, the diaspora study aligns directly with NISER’s core responsibility of providing policy solutions to national development challenges and was undertaken in partnership with NiDCOM as part of a shared commitment to leveraging research for national progress.
She noted that Nigeria’s diaspora community remains one of the country’s most strategic assets, contributing significantly through annual remittances exceeding 20 billion US dollars, making Nigeria one of Africa’s top remittance-receiving countries.
Beyond remittances, she emphasized that Nigerians abroad contribute immensely through knowledge transfer, skills development, innovation, technology transfer, specialist expertise, mentorship, and international networks that continue to support Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
However, she pointed out that despite this enormous potential, several challenges continue to hinder effective diaspora engagement, including policy inconsistencies, limited institutional coordination, trust deficits, regulatory bottlenecks, and inadequate frameworks for channeling diaspora expertise into national priorities.
Simbine explained that the study was conceived to provide empirical insights into the dynamics of diaspora engagement and to propose practical and implementable policy measures for better integration of diaspora contributions into Nigeria’s national development agenda.
She further stated that the validation workshop is expected to refine and strengthen the study’s findings through expert input, enhance stakeholder consensus on critical diaspora-related issues, generate actionable strategies, and support the development of an improved framework for integrating diaspora professionals into national planning and implementation.
She urged participants to actively engage in robust discussions, noting that the quality of deliberations and stakeholder contributions would significantly influence the final output of the study and shape future diaspora policies in meaningful ways.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the Nigerian diaspora as one of the most vibrant, intelligent, resourceful, and globally exposed communities across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe, and Oceania.
She stated that Nigerians in the diaspora continue to break barriers across medicine, science and technology, public service, entrepreneurship, as well as the orange and blue economies, making them critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s development journey.
Dabiri-Erewa explained that the workshop provides a strategic opportunity to assess diaspora contributions, identify challenges, and explore stronger opportunities for engagement and investment.
NiDCOM
She stressed that for NiDCOM, the focus remains on moving from remittances beyond consumption to remittances for investment, where diaspora contributions are strategically directed toward sustainable development, wealth creation, and national transformation.
According to her, the thematic focus of the validation workshop is clear: to professionally interrogate the findings of the six-continent survey for authenticity, accuracy, and relevance, while jointly refining the policy recommendations to serve as a practical roadmap and framework for engaging Nigeria’s global diaspora.
She highlighted key areas requiring urgent attention, including structured diaspora engagement, streamlined policy coordination and coherence, creation of investment-friendly ecosystems, technology transfer and innovation, and the development of comprehensive data-driven policies.
The NiDCOM Chairman further urged stakeholders to use the platform to reduce brain drain, actualize brain gain, and foster brain circulation for the benefit of national development.
Also speaking, the Head of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Abuja Office, Mr. Adamu Yusuf, commended the initiative and described the validation workshop as a significant step toward harnessing the immense potential, expertise, and contributions of the diaspora community.
He noted that the validation process reflects a collective commitment to ensuring that the study outcomes are credible, inclusive, and reflective of stakeholder realities and aspirations.
Yusuf emphasised that the diaspora remains a vital partner in knowledge transfer, investment, innovation, institutional growth, and sustainable development.
He encouraged participants to engage openly, contribute constructively, and generate practical recommendations that will strengthen the final report and support effective implementation of its outcomes.
He also commended the organisers, facilitators, researchers, and participants for their dedication and collaborative spirit in advancing the initiative.
Speaking on behalf of the President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Prof. Bala Mohammed Audu, represented by Dr. Liman Idris Mohammed, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at National Hospital Abuja, underscored the importance of diaspora collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system and professional development.
Mohammed stated that the NMA places great importance on Nigerian medical practitioners in the diaspora and deeply appreciates their contributions toward improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
He noted that upon receiving the invitation to the workshop, the President of the NMA showed strong interest in the study and directed the Association to actively participate, recognising its relevance to the future of healthcare delivery in the country.
According to him, the findings of the workshop will be presented to the NMA President and carefully reviewed to determine how the recommendations can be applied within the Association and across the broader health sector to improve medical services in Nigeria.
He explained that even before the study was conceptualized, there were already practical examples of successful diaspora contributions to Nigeria’s healthcare sector. He cited the establishment of major medical facilities in Abuja and Lagos by Nigerian professionals who acquired expertise abroad and returned to invest in the country.
He also referenced a medical doctor from the Association who studied In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in the 1990s and successfully established the practice locally in Nigeria, noting that today IVF services are widely available across the country.
Mohammed stressed that Nigerian professionals often excel beyond the systems where they acquired their training, demonstrating the immense capacity and excellence of Nigerian medical practitioners globally.
He called for stronger utilisation of the expertise of Nigerian medical professionals abroad, emphasising the need for continuous knowledge exchange, professional collaboration, and what he described as “the circulation of skills” between home and the diaspora.
E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun mnipr
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols (NIDCOM) Abuja.
EFCC Arraigns Former SKye Bank Chairman, Tunde Ayeni For N15.6b Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, May 4, 2026, arraigned a former Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc, Tunde Ayeni before Justice Jude Onwuzuruike of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
Ayeni was arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust, misappropriation and conversion of investors’ funds to the tune N15,665,085,429 (Fifteen Billion, Six hundred and Sixty five Million, Eighty five thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty-nine Naira (N15,665,085,429).
Prosecution counsel E.E. Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and prosecution ready for trial.
“We have before the court 17-count charge dated April 28, 2026, we humbly apply that the charge be read to the defendant”, he said.
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Count three of the charge reads: “That you, Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the defunct Skye Bank Plc between 21st of October, 2014 and 19th November, 2014 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the aggregate sum of Three billion, Two hundred and One million, Five Hundred and Thirty Five Thousand, Four Hundred and Twenty Nine Naira, Forty two kobo(N3,201,535,429.42) by transferring same to Misa Limited’s account No: 1011295717 and 1011295718 domiciled with Zenith Bank in Violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other regulations and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you Tunde Ayeni, whilst being the Chairman, Board of Directors of the Defunct Skye Bank Plc on or about 27th November, 2014, at Abuja within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court and having dominion over depositors’ funds domiciled in the defunct Skye bank Plc’s Suspense Account, committed criminal breach of trust when you dishonestly misappropriated the sum of Five Billion, Seventy Eight million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira(N5, 078,550,000) by transferring same to Union Registrar Limited’s Account No: 0003490559 domiciled with Union Bank in violation of the Prudential Guidelines and other Regulations and thereby Committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code and Punishable under Section 312 of same Act.”
Fraud
Ayeni pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his “not guilty” plea, Iheanacho prayed the court for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Centre.
Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji Bashir, SAN, informed the court that the charge was given to the defendant on a public holiday adding that he considered it imperative to inform the court. He also prayed the court to release the defendant to him or return him to the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Onwuzuruike adjourned the matter to May 13, 2026, for hearing of the bail application, while the defendant was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending determination of bail application.
Economy
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
World Press Freedom Day: FG Calls For Collaboration To Address Disinformation, Misinformation
The Federal Government has called for stronger collaboration among the media, government institutions, and other stakeholders to address the growing threat of disinformation and misinformation, stressing that collective action is essential to protect public trust and national stability. The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Press Freedom Day commemoration held at Radio House.
“This administration has prioritised collaboration with media stakeholders and international partners to promote responsible journalism, counter disinformation and misinformation,” said the Minister.
He described press freedom as a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution, noting that the Federal Government remains fully committed to its protection. “The Federal Government fully recognises press freedom as a fundamental right and remains committed to fostering an environment where the media can operate freely, safely, and responsibly, in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law,” he stated.
Idris noted that the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate steps to strengthen transparency and access to information through sustained media engagement, implementation of the Freedom of Information Act, and investment in public communication platforms.
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He further pointed to Nigeria’s partnership with UNESCO in establishing the International Media and Information Literacy Institute (IMILI) in Abuja as a key step towards building a more informed and discerning public. “This pioneering initiative reflects our commitment to strengthening media and information literacy, empowering citizens to engage with information critically, and promoting responsible communication in the digital age.”
The Minister urged journalists to uphold professionalism, fairness, and ethical standards in their work, stressing that press freedom must go hand in hand with responsibility. “The true test of press freedom lies not in our declarations, but in our actions, how safely journalists can do their work, how truthfully information is shared, and how responsibly it is consumed,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, described the event as a critical platform for strengthening collaboration across institutions.
“This gathering reflects our shared commitment to strengthening press freedom and fostering a more informed and inclusive society. It provides an opportunity for constructive engagement on how best to advance a media environment that is both free and responsible,” she said.
World Press Freedom Day
Ukaire emphasised the need for coordinated responses to the challenges posed by the evolving information ecosystem, particularly the spread of misinformation. “The expansion of digital platforms has introduced new complexities that require coordinated institutional responses, especially in addressing misinformation and strengthening public trust,” she noted.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to facilitating dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and promoting professionalism within the media space.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with the media, civil society, and international partners to build a resilient information system that supports democratic governance, national unity, and sustainable development.
The event was attended by the Inspector General of Police, represented by FPRO, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, mni, mnipr; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, represented by Director of Protocol M. O. Chukwuka, fsi; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Press Council, Dr Dilli Ezughah; Head of UNESCO Abuja Office, represented by the Head of Communication and Information Sector, Ms Yachat Nuhu.
Rabiu Ibrahim
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation
Monday, May 4, 2026
NNPC, Chinese Firms Sign MoU Towards Restart, Expansion Of Warri, Port Harcourt Refineries
The NNPC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two Chinese companies, Sanjiang Chemical Company Limited and Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, for collaboration through a potential Technical Equity Partnership in support of the completion and operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri Refineries.
The MoU was signed by the Group CEO, NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari; Chairman, Sanjiang Chemical Company, Guan Jianzhong and Chairman of Xinganchen (Fuzhou) Industrial Park Operation and Management Co. Ltd, Bill Bi, in Jiaxing City, China, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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The potential framework would cover completion of outstanding work at the two refineries, together with operating and maintaining both facilities to achieve best-in-class, sustainable performance. Planned expansion and upgrades would elevate both facilities to cleaner, more profitable product standards.
The potential collaboration also contemplates expanding the refineries’ petrochemical capacities and harnessing gas and downstream opportunities through the development of co-located, gas-based industrial hubs.
Speaking shortly after signing the dotted lines, the GCEO NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the MoU execution as a significant milestone, following more than six months of concerted engagement between the technical and management teams of NNPC and the two Chinese partners.
“All parties recognise mutually beneficial opportunities for the development and long-term sustainable profitability of NNPC’s refining assets in Nigeria, and the collective weight required for success,” Ojulari noted.
NNPC
The GCEO further stated that the MoU is a significant step on the journey towards identifying potential technical equity partner(s) to restart and expand NNPC’s refineries, and to explore opportunities in co-located petrochemicals and gas-based industries.
The MoU reflects the parties’ shared intent to progress discussions in good faith, with any definitive arrangements to follow in due course and subject to customary approvals.
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