Diaspora Commission pledges continued support for intra-African trade drive
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, has commended the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa and its Continental Chairman, Professor Jude Osakwe, for organising a landmark Sale and Exhibition of Made-in-Nigeria Products in Dakar, Senegal.
In a goodwill message delivered at the event, Dr. Dabiri-Erewa described the exhibition as more than a commercial gathering, calling it “a bold and powerful statement” and a declaration that Nigerians across the African continent remain unwavering ambassadors of their nation’s creativity, ingenuity, and enterprise.
The NiDCOM boss reserved special praise for Professor Osakwe and his team, citing their “vision, dedication, and tireless commitment” to advancing Nigeria’s image and economic interests on the continent. She noted that the initiative exemplified NiDCOM’s vision of the Nigerian Diaspora as a strategic partner in national development.
“You have once again demonstrated that the Nigerian Diaspora is a formidable force for trade, investment, and diplomacy,” she stated.
Dr. Dabiri-Erewa also reaffirmed the Federal Government of Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Diaspora-led initiatives that promote Nigerian products, open new markets, and deepen intra-African trade in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework.
Addressing the entrepreneurs and business owners who exhibited their products at the event, she described them as “the true heroes of the occasion,” and pledged that NiDCOM would continue to connect them to resources, networks, and platforms to expand their global reach.
The NiDCOM Chairman equally extended appreciation to the Government and people of the Republic of Senegal for their hospitality and what she described as the spirit of Pan-African brotherhood that made the event possible, noting the deep historical and cultural bonds shared between Nigeria and Senegal.
She expressed hope that the exhibition would mark the beginning of enduring trade relationships that would strengthen not only bilateral ties between Nigeria and Senegal, but the broader African continent.
The event, organised under the leadership of Professor Osakwe as NIDO Africa Continental Chairman, is part of a broader push to leverage the Nigerian Diaspora community in West Africa as a catalyst for trade promotion, brand visibility, and economic diplomacy.
