Senate conforms Abike Dabiri-Erewa as Nigerian Diaspora Commission chairman

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari's senior special adviser on foreign and diaspora affairs Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa has been confirmed by the senate as the new chairman and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission (NDC).

A native of Ikorodu in Lagos State, Hon Dabiri-Erewa, 56, served as a member of the House of Representatives between 2003 and 2015 and was the chairman of its Diaspora Committee. In this capacity she sponsored a bill calling for diasporans given the right to vote but it was defeated on the floor of the House and subsequent attempts to get the bill re-introduced have failed.

However, she has consistently campaigned for diaspora rights and in 2015 was appointed as President Buhari's adviser on foreign and diaspora affairs. Since 2015, Hon Dabiri-Erewa has used her no position to keep canvassing for diaspora voting but for it to become a reality, the National Assembly needs to pass a bill to that effect.

Earlier this year, President Buhari named her as the head of the new NDC but in line with Nigeria's constitutional requirements, the appointment needs to be ratified by the senate. After the senate approved her appointment, senate president, Senator Bukola Saraki, described Hon Dabiri-Erewa’s nomination as one that was well deserved.

He also thanked the senate committee for its effort in ensuring that the process of the confirmation was concluded on time. Senator Saraki added: “On behalf of the eighth senate, let me congratulate Honourable Abike Dabiri-Erewa on this appointment which is well deserved."

Hon Dabiri-Erewa was confirmed after the chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organisations, Rose Oko, presented a report of the committee. In her presentation, Senator Oko said Hon Dabiri-Erewa possesses wide experience in the public sector and the necessary qualifications.

She also said the nominee possesses exposure, experience in politics and government policies and as such, the committee therefore recommended the confirmation. Hon Oko then explained that no member of the board of the NDC has been appointed by the executive or sent to the senate for confirmation.

Before venturing into politics, Hon Dabiri-Erewa worked for the Nigerian Television Authority for 15 years, anchoring the weekly Newsline programme and taking a particular interest in poverty and social justice issues. Her broadcasting skills are widely used by her party the All Progressives Congress, who regularly get her to anchor political rallies and conventions.