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Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, has pledged to conduct a thorough review of the nation's migration and visa policies with the support of key stakeholders to streamline processes for Nigerians both domestically and abroad, in accordance with global standards.
Tunji-Ojo made the announcement during a courtesy visit by Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), in Abuja on Tuesday. The minister expressed concern about the unevenness of some migration and visa policies, which he believes make Nigeria a dumping ground. He went on to say that the review would consider the principle of reciprocity in accordance with international standards.
Tunji-Ojo praised NIDCOM's proactive approach through its Chair, promising to make the passport processing, capturing, and collection process more efficient. Meanwhile, Dabiri-Erewa, who applauded the Minister's efforts in improving passport issuance at home and abroad, requested a more efficient passport capturing and collection process for Nigerians living abroad. She also highlighted the Commission's activities, including data mapping of Nigerians in the Diaspora, improving diaspora remittances, creating diaspora focal persons, the Badagry Door of Return, Diaspora Quarterly lecture series, National Diaspora Investment Summit, Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, and other interventionist programs.
The NIDCOM chair emphasized the urgent need for collaboration and the establishment of a structural platform to address complex diaspora issues requiring coordinated efforts from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
