California eyes Africa for investment, partners with NiDCOM for sustainable development

L-R, Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission(NiDCOM), Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and California State Transportation Secretary, Dr Toks Omishakin, at a strategic meeting at NIDCOM’s Headquarters in Abuja.

Stanley Ihedigbo

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has emphasized the importance of investing in capacity building to boost Nigeria’s economy and promote brain circulation.

According to the Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Gabriel Odu, the statement was made during a strategic meeting with, Secretary of the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA), Dr. Toks Omishakin, in Abuja.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the need for knowledge transfer and skill development in driving economic growth, particularly in the transportation sector.

She suggested that training programs should be implemented to equip Nigerians with the necessary technical know-how to improve efficiency and productivity.

The meeting also focused on environmental sustainability, with Dr. Omishakin expressing concerns about air quality and pollution.

He noted that transportation activities significantly contribute to environmental and air pollution, affecting public health.

CalSTA aims to collaborate with Nigeria to foster stronger ties between the two regions.

This partnership will leverage the expertise and influence of the Nigerian diaspora in the US, focusing on infrastructure development, economic development, and knowledge/skill transfer.

Some key areas of collaboration include CalSTA’s commitment to investing in sectors like technology, energy, and green jobs and developing advanced training programs for students in Nigerian tertiary institutions, such as the University of Lagos.

Also, CalSTA is ready to invest in Nigerian states with strong investment sectors viable in California.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to future collaboration between NiDCOM and CalSTA, paving the way for strengthened ties between Nigeria and California.