The Islamic Development Bank, IDB, in conjunction with the International Organisation for Migration, IOM, is set to partner Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NIDCOM, on Diaspora Humanitarian SUKUK, Diaspora Remittances as well as capacity development programmes, training and research.
Regional Head of Islamic Development Bank in Nigeria, Dr Mamoud Kamara, who led the delegation disclosed this in Abuja during a strategic meeting with the Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Kamara explained that the Diaspora Humanitarian SUKUK would help assuage the sufferings of Nigerians particularly those who had lost their means of livelihood and were struggling for any means of survival.
He said the initiative would involve a multilateral banking strategy involving the World Bank and African Development Bank, among others.
Kamara said the initiative would be very inclusive and global in structure and scope.
He stated that Diaspora Remittances would guarantee discounted rates, insurance, infrastructure, projects and crises relief.
Kamara expressed belief that it would have a very positive impact, adding that similar ones had been successfully implemented in Israel, India and Ethiopia.
National Project Officer, IOM, Ms Ukamaka Osigwe, gave assurances that the organisation was working hand in gloves with IDB to ensure a successful take-off of the initiatives in Nigeria.
The Chairman/CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Dabiri-Erewa, said a committee should be constituted within one week to fashion out modalities for the full implementation of the laudable initiatives as put forward by the IDB and IOM respectively.
The NIDCOM boss also harped on mainstreaming migration in such a way that irregular migration could be made regular.
She emphasised the need for diaspora data mapping as well as emphasis on research and development.
Dabiri-Erewa also informed her guests that NIDCOM had just inaugurated the ad-hoc committee for the establishment of National Diaspora Investment Trust Fund, first of its kind in the history of Nigeria.
The strategic meeting was facilitated by the newly appointed FCT Diaspora Focal Point Officer, Ms Sarah Areo David.
