Manny Aniebonam: Nigeria needs a diaspora registration database

The chairman of the Nigerian Diaspora Alumni Network, Manny Aniebonam, is advocating for the establishment of a Nigerian Diaspora Registration Database to harness the potential resources of Nigerians living abroad. In a conversation with CNBC Africa's Christy Cole at the Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit, Aniebonam highlighted the importance of organizing the Nigerian diaspora community to contribute to the development of their home country. Over the years, Nigeria has faced significant challenges with brain drain, leading to the emigration of skilled professionals and experts to other countries. Aniebonam emphasized the need to repatriate these valuable resources back to Nigeria for investment in essential sectors like health, education, and infrastructure. He pointed out that Nigerians in the diaspora have been actively contributing to the country's economy, with over $22 billion repatriated annually according to the World Bank data from 2018. However, he believes that more can be done to channel these resources towards nation-building efforts. Aniebonam praised the efforts of the Nigerian Diaspora Commission, led by CEO Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in coordinating diaspora engagement initiatives and facilitating partnerships between Nigerians abroad and the government. He underscored the importance of creating a platform, such as the proposed Diaspora Registration Database, to track the skills and interests of Nigerians in the diaspora. This database would serve as a valuable resource for individuals seeking to invest in Nigeria by providing information on opportunities and avenues for collaboration. While the database is still in the proposal stage, Aniebonam expressed confidence in working with the Diaspora Commission to mobilize support for its establishment. He outlined three key activities to drive diaspora investment and engagement. Firstly, the creation of the Diaspora Registration Database to catalog the talents and expertise of Nigerians abroad. Secondly, advocating for the development of a Diaspora Investment Bond that would attract diaspora participation and provide funding for domestic ventures. Aniebonam highlighted the need for government support to ensure the success and security of the investment bond. Finally, he emphasized the importance of collaboration between diaspora associations, the Diaspora Commission, and the Nigerian parliament to enact legislative measures supporting diaspora investment initiatives. While formal discussions with the parliament have not yet begun, Aniebonam signaled his intention to lobby for legislative backing to facilitate diaspora investment in Nigeria. The proposed initiatives aim to bridge the gap between the diaspora community and investment opportunities in Nigeria, fostering economic growth and sustainable development.