Senator Aniekan Bassey, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), has issued a strong call for Nigeria to forge deeper international alliances to protect its citizens living in foreign countries.
The South-South lawmaker made this declaration during a recent strategy session held by the Committee in Abuja on December 4, 2025. He emphasized that Nigeria can no longer function in isolation given the increasing complexities of global migration, security threats, foreign employment, and cross-border education.
Diaspora Contributions and National Responsibility
Senator Bassey, who holds a PhD, highlighted the immense value Nigerians abroad bring to the nation. He described them as valuable national assets whose safety must be a top priority for the government.
He detailed their significant role in national development, which extends far beyond financial remittances. According to the senator, the diaspora community drives economic growth through billions in annual remittances, investments in local businesses, and the transfer of professional skills and global knowledge.
Protecting them is not charity, it is a national responsibility, Senator Bassey firmly stated, connecting their welfare directly to Nigeria's image and dignity on the world stage.
Addressing Critical Challenges Faced Overseas
The senator did not shy away from outlining the severe difficulties many Nigerians encounter abroad. He pointed to a range of serious issues, including:
- Immigration and documentation problems
- Discrimination in the workplace
- Insufficient legal protection
- Inadequate access to consular services from Nigerian missions
He warned that these challenges often escalate into life-threatening situations, leaving many citizens in a state of vulnerability and risk.
A Pledge for Legislative Action and Engagement
In response to these pressing concerns, Senator Bassey disclosed the Committee's plan to intensify its diplomatic engagement. The strategy involves stepping up talks with key stakeholders to create more effective support systems.
The Committee will engage more robustly with:
- Nigerian embassies and consulates worldwide
- International migration bodies
- Organized Nigerian diaspora communities
The objective is to establish clearer channels for reporting grievances and monitoring welfare issues, ensuring faster and more effective responses to distress calls from citizens overseas.
Senator Bassey stressed that building stronger global partnerships is both a diplomatic necessity and a legislative responsibility that will guide future policy and international agreements. He assured the public that his Committee is committed to driving reforms that fulfill Nigeria's duty to protect every citizen, regardless of where they reside.
