By Fatima Saka
Abuja — Nigerians living in the diaspora have been reassured that the Federal Government, through the Senate, is actively working to protect their rights, address their challenges and restore the country’s image across the globe.
Speaking on Tuesday after presiding over his first official meeting as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), Senator Aniekan Bassey, who represents Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, said the committee was committed to defending stranded Nigerians, those in detention and others facing hardship in foreign countries.
According to him, the meeting was convened primarily to familiarise committee members with its broad mandate and to set a strategic direction for the months ahead.
“We had a very fruitful discussion. There is a general misunderstanding about the role of this committee. Many people believe it is mainly about travelling abroad to meet Nigerians in the diaspora, and while that is part of our work, our core responsibility is lawmaking,” Bassey said.
He explained that the committee also exercises oversight over the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), which plays a key advocacy role and often facilitates engagements between Nigerians abroad and the Presidency during foreign visits.
The senator noted that his appointment as chairman came towards the end of July, just days before the Senate went on its annual recess. Following its return in October, he considered it necessary to convene a formal meeting to drive discussions on the committee’s next steps.
Bassey further revealed that the committee would prioritise laws and frameworks that respond to the needs of Nigerians in the diaspora, as well as NGOs and civil society organisations operating in and outside Nigeria.
He recalled a motion he earlier moved on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slave trade and human rights abuses in Libya, which was subsequently expanded to cover xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Ghana and other countries.
The motion, he said, has been referred to a joint committee made up of the Committees on Foreign Affairs, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Special Duties — with him serving as the lead chairman.
“In the next two weeks, I will meet with the chairmen of these committees so that we can design a template for our engagement and intervention,” he said.
As part of its action plan, the committee intends to embark on advocacy visits to at least one country per continent where Nigerians have a strong presence, to gather first-hand information on their welfare and challenges.
“We must be physically present in these countries to understand the realities faced by our people — those who are imprisoned, stranded or unfairly treated. We will also engage host country authorities and lawmakers to find solutions,” Bassey stated.
On the issue of diaspora voting, the senator explained that consultations would be carried out with Nigerians abroad and relevant institutions, but stressed that the final decision is constitutional and lies with the nation as a whole.
“Even if the Senate supports it, two-thirds of the 36 State Houses of Assembly must approve it before it becomes law. It is not a decision for one arm of government alone,” he said, noting that previous constitutional reviews had set it aside.
Addressing concerns about non-Nigerians allegedly using Nigerian identities, passports and national documents, the chairman said legality would determine the government’s response.
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“If such documents were obtained legitimately in accordance with the law, then the individuals are acting within their rights. But where fraud is involved, such persons will face the full weight of the law,” he warned.
He concluded by urging Nigerians in the diaspora to remain hopeful, assuring them that the Senate is taking practical steps to protect their interests and dignity worldwide.
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