Policy framework for a mutual beneficial relationship between Nigeria and Nigerians in the Diaspora
By Collins Nweke
REPORT OF THE DIASPORA POLICY REVIEW GROUP
1.Executive Summary
The Nigerian National Volunteer Service, NNVS, circulated a document entitled "Policy Framework for a Mutual Beneficial Relationship Between Nigeria and Nigerians in Diaspora" on 7 October 2006 with a request to send in comments by 30 October 2006. NIDO members, just like other Nigerian Diaspora communities worldwide, were recipients of the document.
The two main considerations within Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, were for:
i. Individual members to send their comments directly to the NNVS; or
ii. NIDO to set up a Policy Review Group made up of policy experts whose term of reference will be to ensure a coordinated review of the draft policy framework.
After consultations, the idea of setting up a Diaspora Policy Review Group was favoured. The decision was informed by a desire to provide a coordinated approach to the task of reviewing and providing a coordinated response to the circulated document on behalf of the Diaspora. This approach was also an opportunity for NIDO to provide quality leadership in galvanizing the entire Nigerian Diaspora population, particularly the Nigerian professionals, in contributing their specific expertise when duty calls, to national development.
The challenge of the assignment lay on how best to approach the task, in an inclusive and result-oriented manner and meet the deadline at the same time. The subheading 'Methodology' explained how this happened, while the 'Key Issues / Recommendations' presents a summary of deliberations as informed by the various inputs. Where possible, specific recommendations were made. We hope that this will contribute towards developing a Diaspora Policy that as many people as possible will be happy with.
Finally we should thank Ambassador Joe Keshi and his team at the NNVS for initiating the policy framework and for seeking the input of the Diaspora. Our thanks also go to the Diaspora Policy Review Group coordinated by Collins Nweke, until recently the Executive Secretary of NIDO Europe, for a job well done.
Dr Ola Kassim Chairman NIDO Americas
Chief (Dr) Olufemi Olojugba Chairman NIDO Europe
2. Methodology
NIDO took the view that a coordinated response to the Policy Framework would be more productive. It chose therefore to set up a team of policy review experts who as a group will form a focal point for individual NIDO members and the wider Nigerian Diaspora communities who wanted to make input.
Recruitment into the policy group was done through an open call method and personal invitation to specific persons with expertise on policy development, review and analysis.
The Diaspora Policy Review Group, coordinated by Collins Nweke, who served until recently as the Executive Secretary of NIDO Europe, considered the following approach:
Step 1: Study and analyse the Policy Framework as received from The Presidency Abuja.
Step 2: On a paragraph-by-paragraph basis, write out comments or suggested amendments, preferably as Word document and circulate within the group. Other general issues outside the draft policy framework but relevant to the Diaspora question may be submitted for debate and consideration.
Step 3: An overview of the comments / suggested amendments were collated in a matrix, in the form of a two-column convergent and divergent issues.
Step 4: Teleconference took place on SUNDAY 22 OCTOBER 2006 to debate and agree on the divergent issues as well as possible additional matters. The report of the teleconference reflect the input / position of the Nigerian Diaspora.
Step 5: The product of step 4 above is to finally go through a round of consultation amongst the wider Nigerian Diaspora Community for input. These would be incorporated in the Diaspora position or taken up as annex thereof.
3. Key Issues / Recommendations
This section is a summary of the key issues / recommendations. It has been structured not necessarily following the same sequence as in the policy framework, but based rather on how the various issues are related. The key issues and recommendations are products of specific input from individual policy group members, minutes of teleconference of 22 October 2006 and individual oral views expressed to the group coordinator by telephone.
3.1 Context
From the onset, the policy framework should be put in context thereby providing some background for readers. This should include issues such as:
Why is a policy framework needed?
What are the expected inputs from the Diaspora?
What is the present situation, why and how have we found ourselves in that situation?
3.2 Stakeholdership and Legislative Framework for Participation
The policy framework has clearly defined the Nigerian Diaspora as 'important stakeholders in the Nigerian project' but has fallen short of defining or describing the mechanism to influence the way things are done. The most pertinent of engagement tools in countries where the Diaspora play important role is 'Out-of-Country' voting. It is not immediately clear whether this falls within the remit of the policy framework, but it is obviously desirable and opportune for an insertion to this effect to be made in the document (for more see below).
Furthermore, it would be helpful for the policy framework to define or stipulate how the Nigerian Diaspora voices could be officially heard through both the Executive and Legislative processes. The current symbiotic tie between the Diaspora and the Executive arm of government via NIDO and the NNVS should be strengthened through a formal tie with the legislative processes. This is necessary to legitimize the Diaspora existence as active stakeholders in the 'Nigerian project'.
It is therefore recommended that a new paragraph be inserted (perhaps under or next to Government policy / role) which includes the following clause or a clause to the effect of :
"In order to strengthen the Nigerian Diaspora participation and stakeholdership, due care and diligence shall be exercised to ensure that the Diaspora are not excluded from the political process either by omission or commission"
3.3 Finances
The resources required to finance the implementation of the Nigerian Diaspora Policy should be stated in general terms in the policy framework. The specifics should be ironed out in the Action Plan to be derived from the policy document. Generally speaking it is recommended that NIDO should be financed at least at administrative level to enable it source for project funds to finance its programmes and activities.
It is recommended that paragraph 11 (under government policy / role) includes the following clause
"(viii) Actively support the development and sustenance of a stable and inheritable Administrative and Operational Infrastructure of NIDO, to enable the organization to effectively serve as a vehicle for the mobilization of Nigerians, the expertise and resources in the Diaspora to realistically realize the objectives of the policy"
3.4 Policy Benchmark
The Policy Framework is silent on the ways and means by which results of the implemented policies would be measured. How do we know that the policies have been effective? In other words, policy outcomes must be verifiable and measurable through a set of predetermined criteria. It could be an option for the policy benchmark to be incorporated in the implementation plan, which though a separate document, forms an essential part of the policy document. This might legitimately be a preferred option considering, among others, the multiplicity of the sub-policy areas that are being targeted. It may have the added advantage of formulating specific benchmark for each policy area.
For our present purpose it should suffice to make an insertion to the effect that "the Nigerian Diaspora Policy outcomes shall be verifiable and measurable based on predetermined benchmarks"
3.5 Action Plan
It is recommended that there be a strategic action plan - normally in another supporting document but that cross reference is made to the document in the policy framework.
Diaspora Policy Review Group
MEMBERS
Joseph U. Igietseme is Professor of Microbiology, Biochemistry & Immunology and Chief of Molecular Pathogenesis Laboratory, National Center for Infectious Diseases of the United States Center for Disease Control. Joe has served in several governmental committees and is a member of numerous US Government Agencies including, American Society for Microbiology (elected Divisional Chair, immunology & vaccines), Georgia Academy of Science, etc. Beside active involvement with many Nigerian socio-cultural and economic initiatives, Prof. Igietseme is the General Secretary of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation in the Americas.
Jones O. Edobor holds a PhD in Economics and Business Management. He is the CEO of Global Consulting - Vienna; Vanity Enterprise - Vienna and Jones Dobor International Ltd, Lagos Nigeria. He is a former senior Commercial Manager with SIEMENS Austria. Jones was President of the "Centre for Refugee Care/Activities, Vienna "Die Zentralstelle für Flüchtlingsbetreuung -ZFB); Chairman of the Organisation "Initiative for International Development and Co-operation". A member of various Economic Policy and Management work groups, Dr Jones Edobor is the current Chairman of the Austrian Chapter of NIDO Europe.
Jimmy Etti-Williams is the President of Black Crystal Enterprises International Inc., an oil & gas/mineral exploration, construction and communication group of companies located in Dallas, Texas and Lagos, Nigeria. He is also the CEO of the Comet Group, a management and employee training company in Dallas, Texas. Professor Etti-Williams' portfolio covers education, a public policy analysis, petroleum geology and transportation engineering. Dr. Etti-Williams serves in an advisory capacity on many boards and committees nationwide and internationally.
Femi Ajayi is Executive Director, Office of Secretary of State, Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Femi is also on the Editorial Board of the International Public Management Association for Human Resources. A leadership consultant for the National Conference of Black Mayors, Inc., Atlanta, Femi is a Political Analyst on www.nigeriaworld.com, and a host of "Nigeria This Week" on www.theblacktelevision.com.
Dr. Femi Ajayi holds a PhD in Political Science.
Jerry Kolo is professor of urban and regional planning in the College of Architecture, Urban and Public Affairs at Florida Atlantic University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA.
A. Kayode Adesemowo is currently a Deputy Director - ICT Policy Analyst in the Policy & Strategy unit, Department of the Premier of the Provincial Government of the Western Cape, South Africa. He has vast and varied experience in ICT with background in Engineering. He has completed a research masters in computer science, wherein he investigated SIP/SIMPLE and hold a BTech degree in Electronic/Electrical Engineering. Kayode has several industry certifications with experience and keen interest in Information Systems Assurance as well as enterprise collaboration (using instant messaging) and open source solutions.
Lawrence N. Okere is a college professor at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff where he teaches public administration/political science. He holds doctorate degree in Public Administration/Management from the University of North Texas. Dr. Okere has served as the President of Arkansas Political Science Association and President of Arkansas Association of Nigerians.
Martin Okeke (PhD, Solid State Physics) is currently the head of applied computing at the school of energy and environmental engineering, ENSIATE, France. His previous engineering assignments include testing systems to GE, SNECMA, Dassault Aviation, British Aerospace, Rolls Royce, Carmel Forge - Israel, Airbus Industries, Volvo Flyg Motors and Air France. He is author of scientific publications on semiconductor devices and on non-destructive testing of materials. Martin Okeke is the Chairperson of the French Chapter of NIDO Europe.
Ola Kassim is a physician specializing in the field of Laboratory Medicine. He is currently the Pathologist- in- Chief and Director of Laboratory Medicine, West Parry Sound Health Centre and the Managing Director of Parry Sound Medical Laboratories Inc., an entity that provides laboratory services to five communities in Southern Ontario. Ola Kassim is the current Chairman of NIDO Americas Inc. He is the founding Patron of the Nigeria Canadian Association, the Yoruba Community Association of Canada, the EKO Club and the UNIC Club of Canada.
Sunny Lambe is founder and Executive Director of Black Business Initiative (BBI), an enterprise support agency based in London. He has worked on a significant number of social and economic projects and policy initiatives relating to employment, enterprise, social inclusion, etc in the UK. Sunny is a 2006 recipient of a UK Civic Award "Honorary Liberty of the Old Metropolitan Borough of Camberwell" by the Southwark Council for his contributions to the borough. He holds an MBA and several professional diploma and certificates and is a member of the UK South Chapter of NIDO Europe.
Dennis O. Balogu is Professor of Agriculture and International Affairs Officer at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, USA. Professor Balogu whose educational background includes Masters in Public Administration degree has coordinated numerous projects for USAID, World Bank and the United Nations in several countries including Nigeria. Prof. Balogu is zonal Chairman of NIDO Americas
Babs Adenaike is Coordinator Business Development Services at the Proinvest Management Unit of the Centre for the Development of Enterprise. In this capacity Babs works closely with the institutions of the European Union - Africa Caribbean and the Pacific countries. Babs holds MSc in Genetics and MBA in Information Technology. He is an ex-officio member of the Belgium / Luxembourg Chapter of NIDO Europe.
Amaka Chinwaoke-Donn currently teaches Political Science and Leadership at Antelope Valley College, Lancaster, California, USA and at California State Prison Los Angeles County. She was the First President of the Post-graduate Students Association Political Science Department, Enugu State University of Science &Technology (ESUT) 1998/99 Session. Amaka holds National Certificate of Education, BSc and MSc in Social Sciences specializing in International Relations. She is a member of Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas.
Kennedy Okosun is CEO of Krif (Ghana) Ltd and a founding member of NIDO Ghana
Collins Nweke is International Development Consultant and founder of Global Village Belgium, a social and economic research and consultancy outfit. Collins has held several public sector advisory positions and has undertaken research, among others, for the European Commission on Diaspora participation in European business and politics. Collins served as Executive Secretary of NIDO Europe and holds a BCom (International Business), MSE (Political Economy) with current research interests in Comparative Law. He contributes policy analyses and commentaries on Nigeria to several international media. Collins Chaired the Nigerian Diaspora Policy Review Group.
Inventory of Working Documents
Policy Framework for a Mutual Beneficial Relationship between Nigeria and Nigerians in The Diaspora
Input 1 - Babs Adenaike
Input 2 - Kayode Adesewemo
Input 3 - Jerry Kolo
Input 4 - Jones Edobor
Input 5 - Joe Igietseme
Input 6 - Jimmy Etti-Williams
Input 7 - Dennis Balogu
Input 8 - Sunny Lambe
Minutes of Teleconference dd. 22 October 2006
Diaspora Review Group - members profile
Report authored by:
Collins Nweke
Coordinator Diaspora Policy Review Group
nweke.collins@pandora.be