The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has commended Nigerians who have attained prominent leadership positions in international organisations, global corporations, healthcare institutions and academic establishments.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, gave the commendation in a statement on Monday in Abuja, describing their achievements as a source of national pride and evidence of Nigeria’s contribution to global development.

Dabiri-Erewa said the reported appointments and professional accomplishments of Nigerians abroad demonstrated their expertise, dedication and capacity to contribute to global development, innovation, research and leadership.

She noted that the achievements aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda of Development, Democracy, Demography and Diaspora, particularly its recognition of Nigerians abroad as strategic partners in national development.

“These achievements are a source of pride to Nigeria. They demonstrate that Nigerians, wherever they may reside, continue to contribute significantly to global progress.

“Their accomplishments reinforce the importance of the Diaspora pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds Foreign Policy Agenda and the need to engage our citizens abroad as valuable partners in national development,” she said.

The NiDCOM chief executive explained that the four pillars provided a framework for understanding the strategic importance of Nigerians in the diaspora.

She said Development was promoted when diaspora professionals contributed expertise, innovation, investment and knowledge to Nigeria’s growth, while Democracy was strengthened through the promotion of good governance, institutional development and democratic values.

According to her, Demography recognises Nigeria’s large, youthful and globally distributed population as a source of human capital, while Diaspora underscores the importance of mobilising the skills, networks and resources of Nigerians abroad for national progress.

Among the Nigerians whose reported achievements have attracted attention are Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu in international cancer control; Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar in global epidemic preparedness; and Dr. Bolu Ogunyemi in Canadian medical leadership.

Others are Prof. Christian Harrison in academic management; Ugwechi Amadi in global corporate strategy; Dr. Salamat Ahuoiza Aliu-Ibrahim in specialised neurosurgery; and Ifeanyi Umunna in student leadership at Harvard Law School.

Dabiri-Erewa stressed the need for stronger collaboration between diaspora professionals and Nigerian institutions, particularly in healthcare, education, research, technology, entrepreneurship and public policy.

She called for deliberate mechanisms to promote knowledge exchange, professional mentorship, investment partnerships and institutional cooperation, noting that Nigeria could benefit significantly by connecting the expertise of its citizens abroad to national development priorities.

The NiDCOM boss also encouraged young Nigerians to draw inspiration from the accomplishments of their compatriots making an impact internationally.

She emphasised the importance of excellence, integrity, innovation and dedication in professional and public life.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to identifying, documenting, celebrating and engaging Nigerians in the diaspora in support of the Federal Government’s development objectives.

“Our diaspora is not merely a community living beyond Nigeria’s sovereign boundaries; it is an invaluable reservoir of talent, experience, innovation, and opportunity.

“By strengthening our engagement with Nigerians abroad, we can translate individual achievements into broader benefits for our country,” she said.

NiDCOM said the achievements further highlighted opportunities to deepen Nigeria’s international partnerships, enhance its global image and advance national development.