…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has expressed its inability to single-handedly handle emergency situations involving Nigerians living abroad.
As the sole Federal Government agency responsible for diaspora affairs, NiDCOM emphasizes the need for a collaborative effort involving multiple government bodies.
Inter-Agency Approach to Emergency Response:
NiDCOM’s Head of the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Mr. Abdur-Rahman Balogun, acknowledges that addressing the diverse needs of Nigerians in the diaspora requires the involvement of various federal government entities.
To this end, the government has established an inter-agency or inter-ministerial committee specifically designed to handle emergency situations.
Composition of the Inter-Agency Committee:
Balogun states that the inter-agency committee consists of several key ministries and organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), and the Ministry of Internal Affairs, with a focus on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
These entities collectively form a standing committee responsible for the immediate response to issues affecting Nigerians abroad.
Addressing Multifaceted Issues:
Highlighting the complexity of the challenges faced by Nigerians living outside the country, Balogun emphasizes the necessity of a multi-agency approach.
He explains that the involvement of multiple organizations is crucial because the issues concerning Nigerians in the diaspora often encompass various dimensions and require diverse expertise.
Coordinating Emergency Travel Certificates and Evacuations:
In certain scenarios, Balogun notes that collaboration between the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs becomes essential.
This coordination allows for the provision of emergency travel certificates through the concerned embassy for consular matters.
Moreover, when immediate evacuations are necessary, NiDCOM collaborates with NEMA and the Air Force.
Additionally, NiDCOM establishes communication with Nigerian leaders in the Diaspora to ascertain their efforts in assisting citizens’ return home.
The Need for a Multi-Agency Approach:
Balogun concludes by emphasizing that no single agency can adequately handle the swift response required for emergencies involving Nigerians abroad.
The various aspects of such responses necessitate the involvement of multiple government bodies, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach.
Conclusion:
Recognizing the challenges and complexities associated with emergency situations involving Nigerians in the diaspora, the Nigerian government has adopted a multi-agency approach.
By establishing an inter-agency committee consisting of relevant ministries and organizations, the government aims to address the diverse needs of Nigerians abroad and provide swift and comprehensive emergency response when required.