NIMC/BIOSEC-NIDCOM-NIDO Cooperation on Nigerian Diaspora Registration Kicks off in Europe

NIMC-Biosec-NIDCOM-NIDO finally flagged off the much-awaited Diaspora Enrolment in Europe. This took place in Austria, Italy and finally at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Berlin, Germany to crown the first phase. Below is the full statement by Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, the Chair of NIDO Europe, popular referred to as the Chair of Chairs.

“I now humbly call on all Diaspora compatriots to close ranks and differences and make the Diaspora Enrollment a key Diaspora initiative and success story. History will never forgive us to do otherwise. Let us think beyond the immediate, let us think strategically. The mobilization and Enrollment of all Nigerians for the unique National Identification Number (NIN) have social, economic and policies relevancies and implications”

The prime flag off in Berlin, Germany is a very historic one.  A city with a rich heritage that transcend generations. As a Nigerian, a Diaspora and the Chairman of Nigerians In Diaspora Organization in Europe (NIDOE), I have no doubt witnessed another history that will endure beyond time. With the flagging off of Diaspora Enrollment in Germany, the leadings country in „Europe“ and undeniably one of the most powerful if not the most powerful country in Europe and indeed in the world, the Enrollment of „All Nigerians in Diaspora “ into the National Identity Database (NIDB) is now in full unstoppable swing. We expect other countries to follow suit.

My sincere appreciation to H.E. Yusuf Tuggar, the Ambasador of Nigerian to the Federal Fepublic of Germany and the Embassy staff for the tremendous energy and support, not only for the realization of the Diaspora Enrollment flag off ceremony, but also for the continuing willingness, the courage and strength to engage all Nigerians in Germany for dialogue and better services. Germany is one of the first Embassies in Europe to indicate full support for Diaspora registration. H.E. Yusuf Tuggar was personally in London, UK in 2018 during the NIDOE „Development Conference“, where Diaspora Enrollment and initiatives for homeland development was the key focus.

Also Ambasador Tuggar, together with H.E. Amb. Joseph Ayalogu (Fr. Permanent Representative of Nigeria to the United Nations in Geneva and Ambassador to Switzerland); His Excellency (Gen) Godwin George Umo OON, GSS psc (+) fwc CMH FACOE, MSc., (Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Holy See) ; H.E. Ambassador Abdul Bin Rimdap (Former Nigerian Ambassador to Austria & Germany and NIDOE Advisory Board Member) and Engr Aliyu Aziz (DG/CEO of NIMC) represented by Hadiza Ali Dagabana (General Manager, Legal Services/Board Secretary of NIMC) among others were special guests of honor at the conference and they all played very active and vital roles during the NIDOE Development conference 2018 in Lobdon, UK.

I sincerely thank Hadiza Ali Dagabana (General Manager, Legal Services/Board Secretary of NIMC) for not only ensuring NIMC’s Biosec-Diaspora compliance to Diasporas Enrollment, but also for her personal participation and for giving the green light for the official flag-off. I also thank Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (Chairman of NIDCOM) represented by Eluameh Habibat Patricia who also witnessed and supported the official flag off ceremonies. I appreciate the highly motivated Boisec German Enrolment team who have been working tirelessly to ensure a successful flag off. The team like we know will also accompany the Enrollment in Germany and Europe. I cannot thank enough Dr. Agu Osoka, the MD of Biosec Solutions, the first Nigerian (indigenous) biometric management company with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant certified for the patriot foresight and the opportunity to partner with NIDO and the Diaspora in general in this historic initiative, NIDO with other key Diaspora organizations pledged to help mobilize all Nigerians in Diaspora for the success of this program.

The Diaspora partnership with Biosec the first Nigerian (indigenous) biometric management company with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant certified is not only a fulfillment of the clarion calls by the Diasporas to the Federal Government and it’s agencies to involve indigenous firms and the Diaspora in implementing government initiatives, but it is also a patriotic duty to do so. Other government agencies have no longer excuses but to follow this patriotic example. The Diaspora must now walk the talk. As a Nigerian, a Diaspora and the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora organization Europe, this day is no doubt one of the happiest day in my life. I thank all the past NIDOE and Diaspora Leadership before me who never lost hope that Diaspora Enrollment can be done. I am happy that this difficult and challenging task did not die with my leadership. I thank NIDOE CEC and BOT members for their support and active participation. I thank NIDO Worldwide Diaspora Leadership and key Diaspora Leaders for the soft but firm support for Diaspora Enrollments. I now humbly call on all Diaspora compatriots to close ranks and differences and make the Diaspora Enrollment a key Diaspora initiative and success story. History will never forgive us to do otherwise.

Let us think beyond the immediate, let us think strategically. The mobilization and Enrollment of all Nigerians for the unique National Identification Number(NIN) have social, economic and policies relevances and implications. Think Diaspora census! Think Diaspora Voting!! Think Diaspora remittances!!! Anybody in the Diaspora telling you otherwise is committing intellectual dishonesty. “Every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it”. – Frantz Fanon

Emeka Emmanuel G. is the Chief International Editor, African Heritage Magazine