Nigeria Is Heading In The Right Direction on Diaspora Engagement, According To New Indian High Commissioner
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), which was founded three years ago, has received praise from Shri Balasubramanian, the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, for forging strong ties with her diaspora.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said that Mr. Balasubramanian made this statement while paying a visit to Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, in Abuja.
The Indian Envoy stated that he was happy to work with the Commission to successfully share the experience of the Indian diaspora and that the diaspora is a very good factor for India’s growth.
He added that there are more than 60,000 Indians living in Nigeria’s 36 states, with a disproportionately high number of them staying in Lagos.
The Indian High Commissioner went on to say that the two nations’ relations had been strong and friendly even before Nigeria gained independence, pointing out that there are more than 135 Indian businesses operating in Nigeria and that about 20 billion dollars have been invested there.
The High Commissioner said that while partnership is a tremendous step toward the growth of India and Nigeria, continuity and change are a part of life for Indians.
He continued by saying that three to four generations of Indians have settled in Nigeria and are assimilating well.
In response, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa enthusiastically embraced the alliance and cooperation, emphasizing that “life is about learning, as long as you are a human being, you should always be ready to learn,” and pointing out that there is much to learn from India and her diaspora.
The NIDCOM director gave Mr. Balasubramanian his word that this new arrangement will promote intercultural dialogue and hasten the growth of the two nations.
