Reps approve Diaspora Commission for Nigeria

The House of Representatives Thursday passed the bill for the establishment of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission.
The House passed the bill after ratifying the report of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs on the bill, which has been in the House for almost three years.
Sponsored by Chairman, Committee on Diaspora, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the bill is titled, “A bill for an act to establish the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, and it is to provide for the engagement of Nigerians in Diaspora in policies, projects and participation in the development of Nigeria.
It is also for the purpose of utilising the human capital and material resources of Nigerians in Diaspora towards the overall socio-economic, cultural and political development of Nigeria and for other related matters.
The bill, which was considered clause by clause, provides that the commission would co-ordinate and harmonise all continental Nigeria Diaspora organisations, advise the government at all levels on matters relating to the Diaspora affairs and carry out various training for the staff of the commission.
The commission is also saddled with the responsibility to reach out to Nigerian communities abroad through their various groups, organisations and professional bodies.
It would be recalled that consideration of the bill at committee of the whole house was adjourned on December 6, 2011 following unfavourably reception from most members at the plenary.
Also Thursday, the House passed for second reading a bill for an act to provide for the establishment of the Bank of Industry to consolidate its achievements and enhance its capability in industrial and economic development in Nigeria.
Leading debate on the bill, chairman of the House Committee on Industries, Hon. Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo, said there was no legal framework backing the establishment of the bank.