The Nigerian in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Tuesday partnered with the Federal Mortgage Bank to launch the Diaspora housing scheme.

This was made known during a courtesy visit by NiDCOM chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, to FMBN’s Managing Director, Madu Hamman, in his office in Abuja.

Ms Dabiri-Erewa announced that NiDCOM had reached its final preparatory stage of the housing scheme programme for Nigerians in the diaspora to benefit from.

She added that the partnership with FMBN would help cut off middlemen that would pose a challenge to Nigerians in the diaspora that wish to own homes in the country.

Also, she said that the housing scheme would be beneficiary for Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

She pointed out that Nigerians in the diaspora were rated the highest in remittances to their home country, adding that no country could stand alone without its diaspora.

“We have created the housing scheme platform where we now have about 1,700 interested diaspora wanting to enrol.

“So, where we are now is to commence the launch which was delayed by the handing over of the new Management team of the FMBN in March .

She also warned Nigerians In the diaspora not to fall victim to fraudsters, urging them to always go through the official platform and address of the scheme: https://nidcom.gov.ng/diaspora-housing-platform/.

Speaking also, the MD of FMBN Mr Hamman, apologised for the delay of the launch, saying that it was due to the change in leadership at the bank.

Hamman gave assurance that a date would be fixed for the launch before the end of May, noting that the process was already at its final stage.

He added that the diaspora were an integral component for any country’s development because of their skills, expertise and resources to invest in their homeland.

“This platform will be of immense value to Nigerians both home and in the diaspora. Before the end of May we will have a date for the launch.

“The committees set for the arrangement will begin work to expedite the lunch and then the venue and other logistics with the approval will be communicated at the end of the month,” he said.

(NAN)