The Niger State House of Assembly has passed the Diaspora Agency Bill, marking a significant step toward engaging citizens of the state living abroad in its development efforts. The bill is expected to foster investment, encourage cultural exchange, and drive collaborative projects between the state and its diaspora community.
The bill was passed during Tuesday’s plenary after the House Standing Committee on Women Affairs, Humanitarian and Disaster Management presented its report. The committee is chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Afiniki Eunice Dauda, who explained the importance of the bill in advancing economic development and deepening the relationship between the state and its citizens abroad.
Dauda said the new agency will help coordinate strategic investment opportunities, promote trade, and boost cultural ties with Niger State indigenes across the world.
“This bill opens new channels for economic growth,” she said. “It will serve as a bridge between our state and our diaspora, encouraging them to contribute to development through investments, knowledge-sharing, and humanitarian support.”
Niger State, located in North-Central Nigeria, is rich in agricultural and mineral resources but continues to face challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, youth unemployment, and underfunded healthcare. Many citizens from the state now live abroad, and there have been increasing calls for government policies to tap into the human and financial resources of the diaspora.
The Diaspora Agency, once signed into law, will serve as a formal institution to manage these relationships, coordinate development programs, and create a structured platform for Niger indigenes in the diaspora to give back to their home state.
Analysts say the bill aligns with broader national trends, as other states like Lagos, Ogun, and Edo have already set up similar agencies to leverage diaspora contributions for development.
In addition to the Diaspora Agency Bill, the House also adopted key recommendations from the Standing Committee on Health, Nutrition, and Primary Health Care, led by Umar Nasir, member representing the Paikoro constituency.
Nasir told the House that urgent reforms were needed to improve the state’s healthcare system, which he said suffers from low staff morale, poor infrastructure, and frequent power outages at medical centres.
He recommended several key changes, including:
-Better incentives and working conditions for medical personnel
– Automatic employment for qualified health interns
– Deployment of alternative energy sources, such as solar power, to health facilities
“These actions, if implemented, will go a long way in addressing the current challenges facing our healthcare delivery,” Nasir said. “When our medical workers are motivated and health centres are properly equipped, the quality of care will improve significantly.”
His recommendations were unanimously adopted by the House.
Speaker of the Assembly, Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji, commended both committees for their detailed work and commitment to the welfare of the people. He directed the Clerk of the House to transmit the bills and recommendations to the Executive Governor for assent.
“These are people-focused initiatives that reflect the priorities of Niger State today,” the Speaker said. “As a legislature, we will continue to support efforts that promote development, healthcare, and investment opportunities.”
The passage of these bills comes at a time when the Niger State Government is working to diversify its economy and improve public services, particularly in health and education. The state has also expressed interest in attracting private investors and development partners to key sectors.
Local stakeholders and civil society groups have welcomed the move, particularly the Diaspora Agency Bill, which they say can bring much-needed funding and international partnerships to the state.
“This is a timely and forward-thinking move by the Assembly,” said Mr. Hassan Idris, a development consultant based in Minna. “Nigerians in the diaspora are always looking for structured ways to support their home communities, and this agency can help facilitate that.”
Meanwhile, healthcare workers have expressed hope that the recommendations of the Health Committee will be implemented quickly. Some rural clinics in Niger State currently operate without electricity, running water, or basic equipment, making it difficult for health workers to provide effective services.
