Nigerians in South Africa want experienced personnel to run Commission

Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, President, Nigeria Union, South Africa, on Friday urged the Federal Government to appoint experienced personnel to run the Diaspora Commission, following the assenting of the Diaspora Bill into law.

The law is to coordinate and organise Nigerians in and from the Diaspora to contribute human capital and material resources, including their expertise for the development of Nigeria and its constituent states.

It will also provide a data base on various fields and potential as resource base for Nigeria and the world to draw from as well as protect the interest of all Nigerians.

15 million Nigerians are estimated to be living abroad.

Anyene told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Pretoria, South Africa that the law was a step in the right direction.

“ We have been waiting for it. We believe that the law will assist the Federal Government to get deep into Diaspora issues.

“ We are also happy that the government and the National Assembly appreciate the value that Nigerians in foreign countries can add to the growth and development of our country,” he said.

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Anyene said the appointment of experienced hands to run the commission would ensure successful implementation of the law.

“ We call on the Federal Government to employ in the commission, people who are very experienced in Diaspora affairs, especially those who have lived abroad.”

According to him, the Nigerian communities in South Africa will always work with the Federal Government to ensure that its programmes and policies succeed

Anyene said that the challenge before government was successful implementation of the law.

“ Having been signed into law, the major challenge now is implementation. We hope that the implementation process will not be stalled.

“ We have confidence in the present administration .There are several Diaspora matters that need to be handled, but with this commission, Diaspora matters will be brought close to the government.”

He said the union was optimistic that the commission would succeed.

“ This is a very good step in the right direction,” Anyene said.