The Federal Government has reassured Nigerians living in Angola that it is taking decisive steps to tackle insecurity, strengthen the economy and address concerns affecting citizens in the Diaspora.
The assurance was given by the Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa (Rtd); the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; and the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, during an engagement with members of the Nigerian community in Luanda.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU).
The Nigerian delegation to the AU meeting was led by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, on Monday, the engagement was coordinated by Dabiri-Erewa to provide an opportunity for the Federal Government delegation to interact directly with Nigerians residing in Angola.
Speaking at the meeting, Musa acknowledged the security challenges confronting Nigeria, noting that instability in the Sahel region had continued to create security concerns with implications beyond national borders.
He, however, assured Nigerians that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to strengthen the country's borders and prevent security threats and incursions.
The Defence Minister said the administration of President Tinubu remained determined to defeat security threats across the country, adding that efforts were ongoing to boost the manpower, equipment and operational capabilities of the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
Tunji-Ojo, on his part, expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic outlook, declaring that the country was gradually moving towards full recovery.
“Nigeria is growing, the economy is growing and Nigeria is on the path of full recovery,” the Interior Minister said.
Responding to a request for the establishment of a Nigerian passport production centre in Angola, Tunji-Ojo assured the community that he would look into the request to ease access to passport booklets and other consular services.
Dabiri-Erewa commended members of the Nigerian community in Angola for their contributions to national development and for continuing to project Nigeria positively in their host country.
She said the Federal Government remained committed to the welfare and interests of Nigerians living abroad, stressing that the contributions and concerns of the Diaspora were important in shaping policies and interventions.
The NiDCOM boss also urged Nigerians in Angola to remain united, law-abiding and continue to contribute positively to the development of both Nigeria and Angola.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian community, the Secretary of the Nigeria Community Association in Angola, Nnaemeka Francis Obi, commended the Federal Government delegation for the engagement.
Obi, however, highlighted challenges confronting Nigerians in Angola, particularly difficulties in accessing passport and consular services.
He appealed for the establishment of a Nigerian passport office in the country, describing the issue as a major concern for members of the community.
Obi also raised concerns about healthcare challenges faced by Nigerians in Angola and called for greater attention to the welfare and well-being of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The engagement, according to NiDCOM, afforded the Federal Government delegation an opportunity to listen directly to the concerns of Nigerians in Angola and reaffirm its commitment to deepening engagement with citizens living abroad.
The Commission added that the Federal Government, through relevant agencies, would continue to pursue responsive solutions to issues affecting the welfare and interests of Nigerians across the globe.