New Diaspora Committee Chair, Sen. Bassey, Sets Bold Agenda: Advocacy Missions, Protection of Nigerians Abroad, and Fresh Debate on Diaspora Voting
By Onwe Wisdom|Pan Afric Reporters
The newly appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Bassey, has outlined an ambitious plan to reposition the committee, strengthen engagement with Nigerians abroad, and tackle mounting concerns over trafficking, xenophobia, and identity fraud affecting citizens globally.
Speaking after chairing his first official committee meeting since his appointment in July, Senator Bassey said the session was primarily to “familiarize with my colleagues” after the National Assembly’s annual recess delayed an earlier meeting. The gathering, he said, opened the door for what he described as “fruitful discussions.”
According to him, the diaspora committee remains widely misunderstood:
“Many people think the diaspora committee is about traveling outside the country to meet diasporas, which should be the case,” he noted.
But he clarified that the committee’s core statutory engagements revolve around NIDCOM, NGOs, CSOs, and the Senate’s primary mandate of lawmaking.
He highlighted a motion he previously sponsored on the “urgent need to protect Nigerians from trafficking, slavery, and human rights abuses in Libya,” adding that the motion now expanded to cover xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Ghana, and other regions has been referred to a joint committee involving Foreign Affairs, Human Rights, Legal Matters, and Special Duties.
“By the grace of God, I’m the lead chairman of the joint committee,” he said, adding that the group will meet within a fortnight to create a coordinated engagement plan.
Senator Bassey announced the committee’s intention to embark on advocacy missions across continents, visiting at least one country per region to directly interact with Nigerians.
“We have to be physically present in those countries to know what happened,” he explained.
The visits, he said, will help determine whether Nigerians jailed abroad violated local laws or are victims of injustice or malicious prosecution.
“We must open diplomatic channels and engage legislators over there… so we can help Nigerians that are stranded, those that are in jail, and other issues that may come up,” he added.
He reassured the public that Nigerians abroad should expect stronger government support:
“They should be reassured that we will meet their needs… If they’re stranded, if they’re in jail, we’ll try as much as possible to assuage them.”
Addressing questions on diaspora voting, Senator Bassey said the committee would consult widely, including engaging Nigerians abroad and liaising with INEC. However, he clarified that the decision does not lie solely with the Senate.
“It’s a constitutional issue… Even if we pass it in the Senate, two-thirds of the 36 state Houses of Assembly must assent,” he said.
He also clarified comments attributed to the former committee chairman suggesting that constitutional review panels had ruled out diaspora voting:
“Tentatively, we have not come up with that yet. When the report is out, that is when you will be very sure.”
Asked about increasing cases of non-Nigerians using Nigerian passports and national identity cards, Senator Bassey provided a balanced response.
“It depends. If they got it legitimately, it’s their right,” he said.
He added that Nigeria’s citizenship laws permit applications after 10 years of legal residence.
“If it wasn’t gotten through legitimate means, then they will have to face the full wrath of the law.”
Senator Bassey emphasized that his leadership will focus on:
- Strengthening legal frameworks affecting diasporas and NGOs
- Enhancing protection for Nigerians overseas
- Deepening diplomatic engagement
- Pursuing evidence-based advocacy missions
- Listening directly to Nigerians abroad on issues like voting rights and consular protection
He concluded with a firm commitment:
“Going forward, we’ll try as much as possible, if not for the positive, to kickstart engagements that meet the needs of Nigerians wherever they find themselves.”
Senator Bassey’s agenda signals a more proactive and globally engaged Senate diaspora committee, with Nigerians abroad set to experience increased legislative attention in the months ahead.
