ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government has announced plans to advance the Diaspora Voting Bill, a legislative effort that would grant Nigerians living abroad the constitutional right to participate in national elections.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, during the Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance held in Abuja. The event also featured the official launch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Response (NiDRes) application and website, developed in partnership with the House Committee on Diaspora and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In a statement released by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM’s spokesperson, the Speaker reaffirmed the government’s determination to ensure full electoral participation for Nigerians in the diaspora.
“The Federal Government is advancing the Diaspora Voting Bill to guarantee Nigerians abroad the constitutional right to take part in national elections,” Abbas stated.
Represented by Patrick Umoh, Abbas described the initiative as a milestone in expanding democratic participation, adding that the 10th House of Representatives remains committed to inclusion, transparency, and governance reforms.
“This is a major step toward ensuring that every Nigerian voice, whether at home or abroad, contributes meaningfully to nation-building,” he said.
Tochukwu Okere, Chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora, explained that the Nigerian Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance (NiSEDiG 2025) seeks to develop a unified policy framework combining legislation, institutions, and technology to strengthen diaspora engagement.
He added that the newly launched NiDRes App and website would improve communication between Nigerians abroad and government institutions, streamline access to public services, and enhance coordination with Nigerian embassies worldwide.
In her keynote address, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of NIDCOM, highlighted significant achievements in diaspora relations since the commission’s creation six years ago.
“In health, education, ICT, agriculture, and transportation, Nigerians in the diaspora have continued to make remarkable contributions,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “We are now entering a new phase of deepening diaspora engagement to strengthen national development.”
She recalled that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the National Diaspora Policy in April 2021, providing a structured framework for diaspora inclusion in national planning. She also noted that the Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, launched in June 2021, continues to aid evidence-based policy formulation.
Dabiri-Erewa further emphasized the importance of diaspora remittances, which reached $23.81 billion in 2019, representing about 6 percent of Nigeria’s GDP — making it one of the country’s largest sources of foreign exchange.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has consistently called for a constitutional amendment to allow Nigerians in the diaspora — and certain citizens within the country — to participate in future elections.
As discussions on the Diaspora Voting Bill progress, stakeholders say the initiative marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy, aiming to give millions of citizens abroad a direct voice in shaping the nation’s future.
