Senator Bassey Outlines Agenda for Diaspora Committee, Promises Stronger Protection for Nigerians Abroad

Senator Bassey Outlines Agenda for Diaspora Committee, Promises Stronger Protection for Nigerians Abroad

Distinguished Senator Aniekan Bassey has outlined the key priorities of the Senate Committee on Diaspora Affairs as he officially chaired his first meeting since his appointment in late July. According to him, the committee had been unable to meet earlier due to the National Assembly’s annual recess, but today’s inaugural meeting enabled members to familiarize themselves and begin substantive work.

He noted that the Diaspora Committee is often misunderstood, explaining that many assume it is solely responsible for overseas visits. In reality, the committee’s oversight extends to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), which is primarily an advocacy body that facilitates presidential interactions with Nigerians abroad. The committee also works closely with NGOs and civil society organizations while focusing on its core mandate of lawmaking.

Senator Bassey recalled his earlier motion on the urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery, and human-rights abuses in Libya—a motion that was later expanded to address xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Ghana, and other countries. He disclosed that the committee will, within the next two weeks, meet with three other Senate committees—Foreign Affairs, Judiciary/Human Rights/Legal Matters, and Special Duties—to develop a joint engagement framework. He serves as the lead chairman of the joint committee.

Looking ahead, the senator said the committee intends to embark on advocacy visits, targeting at least one country per continent, to interact directly with Nigerians in diaspora and assess the challenges they face. He also emphasized the need to engage foreign authorities to understand cases of Nigerians in detention, determine whether they violated local laws, or if some cases stem from malicious intent or discrimination.

On the issue of diaspora voting, Senator Bassey explained that while the committee will engage INEC and Nigerians abroad to gauge their position, any final decision remains a constitutional matter requiring approval by two-thirds of state Houses of Assembly. He added that conclusions should not be drawn until the Constitutional Review Committee releases its report.

He further addressed concerns about non-Nigerians using Nigerian passports and national identity documents. He stated that anyone who legally meets the requirements for citizenship—including residing in Nigeria for up to ten years—is entitled to such documents. However, any illegally obtained passports will attract the full weight of the law.

Senator Bassey assured Nigerians in diaspora that the government is committed to their welfare, promising renewed efforts to support stranded citizens, those in detention, and others facing difficulties abroad.