Nigeria, Turkey Partner on Strengthening Diaspora Relations

T The Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Memmet Poroy, has proposed a working collaboration between the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Presidency of Turks Abroad and Related Communities, Turkey’s agency responsible for its diaspora affairs.

Poroy made the proposal during a strategic meeting with NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in Abuja. He commended NiDCOM’s efforts in collating demographic statistics through its diaspora portal, describing it as a model that could improve Turkey’s own diaspora relations.

“We are impressed by the work NiDCOM has done in gathering data on its diaspora community. An understudy of this process will help us strengthen our engagement with the Turkish diaspora,” the ambassador stated.

In response, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the collaboration, expressing optimism that both countries could learn from each other’s experiences in diaspora management. She also raised concerns about the plight of Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus, calling for urgent intervention from the Turkish government.

“Our focus is to build stronger diaspora relations that benefit both countries. However, we must also address pressing issues, particularly the challenges faced by Nigerian students in Northern Cyprus,” she said.