Reps assure quick passage of Diaspora voting right bill

JONAS EZIEKE, Abuja

Ahead of the 2027 general elections in Nigeria, the House of Representatives has assured its readiness for a quick passage of the Diaspora Right Voting Bill pending before the National Assembly

Speaker of the House Rt.Hon.Tajudeen Abass gave the assurance in a remark at a stakeholders engagement and launching of Diaspora Response Application Web by the House Committee on Diaspora on Monday in Abuja.

Represented by Hon Dr. Patrick Umoh, the speaker said that the House recognises that Nigerians living abroad represent the engine room for national development.

He further stated that Nigerians in Diaspora have continued to play a vital role in shaping our national development trajectory

The Speaker also said that the 10th House of the National Assembly will consider diaspora development as a national priority.

He said: The House recognizes the role of Nigerians in diaspora in our national development. Beyond remittances, their hard work, creativity and achievements continue to inspire us to greater heights”

Speaking further on the Diaspora Voting Right Bill pending before the two chambers of the National Assembly, he said that the House is ready to ensure a quick passage of the bill before the next general elections.

He added that the bill will mark a turning point in Nigeria’s political development.

Earlier in a remark, Chairman of the House Committee Hon Chinedu Okere said that the House Committee convened the Nigeria Stakeholders Engagement on Diaspora Governance to bring together policies, institutions and technology in order to achieve a united approach to Diaspora governance.

He also assured that the House Committee is seriously consulting with all relevant stakeholders for the quick passage of the Diaspora Voting Right Bill pending before the apex legislature before the second quarter of next year 2026.

Highpoint of the event was the launch of Diaspora Response Application Web by the House Committee in conjunction with Nigerians in Diaspora Commission NiDCOM.