Harnessing the knowledge and expertise of Nigerians abroad has become the focal point of a new partnership between the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) and the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
Both agencies are joining forces to drive innovation and technology development by connecting homegrown talent with professionals in the diaspora.
During a strategic meeting at NiDCOM headquarters, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, and the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, emphasized that the collaboration is a “timely intervention.”
They stressed that it would serve as a bridge linking Nigerian innovators at home with scientists, engineers, technologists, and entrepreneurs scattered across the globe.
Mr. Halilu, highlighted NASENI’s key projects, including Revolut, a payment platform already serving thousands of Nigerians with low-cost, real-time transfers; and the Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme, which funds Nigerian scientists and innovators, both in home and diaspora.
He also spoke about Delta-2, a partnership with the Czech Republic entering its third phase this September to bring new technology and international collaboration to Nigeria.
Halilu said his visit to NiDCOM was to present two key projects: a government-backed payment platform, similar to Revolut, designed to be seamless, flexible, multi-currency, and to provide real-time monitoring at affordable rates, while the second project aims to engage Nigerians in the Diaspora, particularly in science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to develop practical projects that can grow the economy.
While commending Dabiri-Erewa, the NASENI CEO added that NiDCOM’s database of professionals would play an essential role towards this course.
She asserted that the partnership will foster opportunities for Nigerians everywhere to work together for Nigeria’s progress; through sharing ideas, skills, and experiences that can help build a stronger, more innovative Nigeria, especially under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Dabiri-Erewa lauded the works done by the Agency, and assured that the Commission will give them the relevant support needed, while suggesting the NASENI team to participate at the 8th Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), to be held from November 11-13, 2025, in Abuja.
Both NiDCOM and NASENI also agreed to set up a joint working committee to streamline areas of collaboration and design projects focused on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), alongside wider Diaspora engagement.
