Reps unveil NiDRes platform to strengthen ties with Nigerians in diasporaAbbas pledges 10th House’s commitment to welfare of citizens abroad

By Gift Chapi-Odekina, Abuja

The House of Representatives has unveiled a new digital platform, the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) app and website, designed to enhance communication and collaboration between the Federal Government and Nigerians living overseas.

The platform was launched during the First Nigerian Stakeholders’ Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiDSEDiG 2025) held in Abuja, marking a major step toward structured diaspora participation in national development.

Speaker of the House, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Patrick Umoh, said the initiative underscores the 10th House’s resolve to prioritise the welfare and engagement of Nigerians abroad.

He commended Nigerians in the diaspora for their outstanding contributions to the country’s image, economy, and diplomacy, noting that their impact goes far beyond financial remittances.

“The House recognises the vital and irreplaceable role Nigerians abroad play in building the nation’s image and sustaining its economy. Beyond remittances, their involvement in innovation, trade, diplomacy, and humanitarian causes has reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as a country of excellence and enterprise,” Abbas said.

He disclosed that legislative measures are underway to simplify consular, immigration, and documentation procedures to make government services more accessible to Nigerians living abroad.

“This includes improvements in passport processing, emergency consular responses, and digital access to official services. The House seeks to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that frustrate Nigerians abroad and replace them with transparent, efficient, and responsive systems,” he added.

Abbas reaffirmed the House’s partnership with the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) to safeguard citizens’ welfare and ensure their concerns receive timely attention.

Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tochukwu Okere, described the NiDRes launch as a milestone in leveraging technology, policy, and institutional collaboration to unify diaspora governance.

He said the platform will serve as a direct line for engagement, feedback, and crisis response, helping the government better coordinate initiatives that benefit Nigerians across the globe.