Abike Dabiri-Erewa is a Nigerian journalist and politician whose public career spans media, lawmaking, and executive leadership. Best known as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, she plays a central role in shaping Nigeria’s structured engagement with its citizens living abroad.
Born on October 10, 1962, in Jos, Plateau State, she studied English at Obafemi Awolowo University. Her academic training in communication laid the foundation for her early professional success in journalism and later effectiveness in public service.
A Distinguished Career in Journalism
Before entering politics, Dabiri-Erewa built national recognition as a broadcaster with the Nigerian Television Authority. She rose to prominence as the host of Newsline, one of Nigeria’s respected current affairs programs.
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Her work on Newsline focused on investigative reporting, human interest stories, and governance issues. Over time, she became known for her confident presentation style and ability to engage complex national conversations. Her journalism career earned her professional recognition and established her as a familiar face in Nigerian households.
The discipline and public trust she cultivated in broadcasting became the foundation for her transition into public office.
Three Terms in the House of Representatives
In 2003, Abike Dabiri-Erewa was elected to represent Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State in the House of Representatives. She served three consecutive terms from 2003 to 2015.
During her tenure in the National Assembly, she chaired the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs. In this role, she focused on issues concerning Nigerians living outside the country, including welfare matters and strengthening institutional attention toward diaspora engagement.
Her legislative service coincided with a period of increasing global migration by Nigerians, placing diaspora policy at the center of national development discussions.
The Establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission
In 2017, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Act was signed into law, formally creating a federal body dedicated to diaspora engagement.
In 2019, President Muhammadu Buhari confirmed Dabiri-Erewa as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission. Her appointment marked a transition from legislative advocacy to executive leadership within a statutory federal commission.
Leading Nigeria’s Diaspora Engagement
As head of NiDCOM, Dabiri-Erewa oversees initiatives designed to connect Nigeria with its global citizens. The Commission’s core responsibilities include:
Advising government on diaspora policies.
Coordinating diaspora engagement programs.
Encouraging diaspora investment and national development participation. Liaising with Nigerian missions abroad on citizens’ welfare.
Strengthening communication channels with diaspora communities.
Nigeria’s diaspora community contributes significantly to the national economy through remittances and professional expertise across sectors such as medicine, technology, academia, and business. Under her leadership, NiDCOM has organized diaspora summits, stakeholder forums, and policy dialogues to encourage structured participation in national growth.
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Advocacy for Nigerians Abroad
Throughout her tenure, Dabiri-Erewa has addressed issues affecting Nigerians overseas. Her office works in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigerian diplomatic missions to monitor welfare concerns and provide coordinated responses.
She has spoken publicly against human trafficking, irregular migration, and exploitation of Nigerian citizens abroad. Through sustained engagement with diaspora groups across continents, she has helped maintain visibility for diaspora affairs within Nigeria’s governance framework.
Author’s Note
Abike Dabiri-Erewa’s journey reflects continuity in service, from informing the nation through journalism to representing constituents in the National Assembly and leading Nigeria’s structured diaspora engagement through NiDCOM. Her career underscores the importance of maintaining strong institutional connections between Nigeria and its global citizens, recognizing their contributions and ensuring their voices remain part of national development.
References
Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Establishment Act, 2017.
Official publications of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
National Assembly of Nigeria legislative records, 2003–2015.
Nigerian Television Authority archival records.
Presidential confirmation records, 2019.
