NASENI, NiDCOM Partner to Harness Diaspora Expertise
By Patience Ikpeme
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have agreed to deepen collaboration in leveraging the skills and expertise of Nigerians abroad and at home to drive innovation and technology development.
At a strategic meeting held at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, both agencies announced plans to establish a joint working committee that will streamline areas of cooperation and design projects focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), alongside wider diaspora engagement.
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the partnership as a “timely intervention” aimed at connecting Nigeria’s innovators with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs in the diaspora.
Mr. Halilu outlined some of NASENI’s ongoing initiatives, including Revolut, a payment platform already serving thousands of Nigerians with low-cost, real-time transfers; the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which funds scientists and innovators both at home and abroad; and Delta-2, a technology partnership with the Czech Republic now entering its third phase in September.
He explained that his visit to NiDCOM was to present two major projects. “The first is a government-backed payment platform, designed to be seamless, flexible, multi-currency, and capable of providing real-time monitoring at affordable rates. The second project is focused on engaging Nigerians in the diaspora, particularly in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to develop practical projects that can grow the economy,” he said.
Halilu also noted that NiDCOM’s database of Nigerian professionals would play a critical role in the initiative, helping to connect expertise with relevant projects across sectors.
In her remarks, Dabiri-Erewa said the partnership would open fresh opportunities for collaboration between Nigerians at home and abroad. “This will foster opportunities for Nigerians everywhere to work together for the country’s progress through sharing ideas, skills, and experiences that can help build a stronger, more innovative Nigeria, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” she stated.
She commended NASENI’s ongoing programmes and assured that NiDCOM would provide the necessary support to ensure their success. Dabiri-Erewa also encouraged the agency to participate in the forthcoming 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), scheduled to hold from November 11–13, 2025, in Abuja.
According to her, the summit would provide a platform for NASENI to showcase its projects and connect directly with Nigerians in the diaspora who are eager to contribute to the nation’s development.
