From Abdulfatah Babatunde
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite has expressed the desire to work with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to boost diaspora investments in the country.
Uzoka-Anite made the remarks when she received the in audience, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Tuesday, in Abuja.
TheNewsZenith reports that the Minister said she would create a full department called “Catalytic Investment Unit”. The department will accommodate all diaspora-related matters in the ministry.
“The Diasporans, by their nature, are emotionally or sentimental towards Nigeria. And they will give you their investment without asking for a sovereign guarantee …….. or asking for so many things that we’ve seen other investors asking…….”
She commended NiDCOM’s initiative in partnering with the private sector-led Nigerian Diaspora Summit initiative (NDSI). NDSI is responsible for organising the Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit.
The Summit, according to the minister, has provided a platform for Nigerians who want to invest at home.
Uzoka-Anite said the ministry would synergise with NiDCOM and NDSI to make the summit even stronger, in line with its investment initiatives and policies.
“I have been charged by Mr President to look for inward investment into the country.
“NiDCOM has saved me from starting from scratch. We will build on your platform and work together,” the minister said.
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She described the Diaspora as a great potential for Nigerian investors who are passionate about their country and willing to invest without too many conditions or demands.
Earlier, Dabiri-Erewa had called for more synergy between the Commission and the Ministry to enhance Diaspora Direct Investment.
The NiDCOM boss used the opportunity to brief the minister on the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS).
She hinted that NiDCOM had hosted the summit, six times in Abuja.
“We have some requests which include creating incentives for the Diaspora coming back home to invest, partnering to implement the Diaspora Investment Trust Fund and establishing a Diaspora Desk in the ministry,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
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