The Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal, has said that the National Assembly would soon conclude deliberations on the Diaspora Bill, now before the house.
Tambuwal said this on Tuesday night at a dinner organised for him and other members of the National Assembly attending the 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Johannesburg.
The dinner was hosted by the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa.
According to the Speaker, the Diaspora Bill was designed to integrate the potentials of the nation’s citizens living abroad.
He said the bill would enable the nation to harness “the contributions of our fellow compatriots towards the development of the country without their leaving the country of their residence”.
The speaker said the contribution of ideas by Nigerians in Diaspora had become important towards the development of the country.
He told members of the Nigerian community in South Africa to continue to keep in touch with developments at home.
“The challenges in Nigeria are enormous…
“You should try to know the legislators representing you both at the state and national assembly.
“If you have any idea of what can be done to improve our economy and build our nation, don’t hesitate to pass it on to the legislators representing you.
“That is why we are there at the assembly, we are there to make laws for the country and support the government to do what is right.
“It will help us to function well as law makers if we get contributions from Nigerians living at home and abroad. We are very much available and accessible.
“Don’t leave us all alone. We need your contribution. It is up to us, collectively as Nigerians, whether we live in the Diaspora or live at home, to continue to work together, ’’ Tambuwal said.
He commended the Nigerian Consul-General, Mr Okay Emuchay, for bringing all Nigerians living in South Africa together.
Tamwual called on them to sustain the good image of Nigeria in South Africa.
“I say to you continue the good work because I have heard that so many Nigerians living here are doing very well.
“Though a few of you engage in activities which violate the laws of your host country , majority of you are doing very well.
“I plead with you to continue in that direction.
“ Ensure that all you do here is legitimate and engage in activities that can make you earn a living within the confines of the law and be a proud Nigerian,’’ Tambuwal said.
Earlier, the Consul General said that Nigeria had a large population living in all the nine provinces of South Africa.
He said the dinner was organised to provide opportunity for Nigerians living in South Africa to interact with the leadership of the national assembly.
Emuchay said there are about 152 South Africa companies operating in Nigeria.
“These 152 companies are active in our economy and more are still coming.
“This rush shows that there is something in Nigeria that is attracting them.
“But there is need for Nigerian businessmen to take advantage of the business opportunities in South Africa and bridge the gap to grow our economy through competition,’’ Emuchay said.
The President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa (NUSA), Mr Ikechukwu Anyene, urged members of the national assembly to look into the challenges facing Nigerians in the Diaspora.
“We call on the national assembly to look into challenges facing Nigerians in Diaspora in area of discrimination and disenfranchisement in voting.
“We are also calling on you to help tackle the challenges of insecurity, power and other infrastructure.
“We expect you to work with the relevant authorities to improve infrastructure in Nigeria.
“Though Nigerian economy is opening up with the influx of South African companies going to Nigeria, they cannot do much without stable power supply,’’Anyene said.
He also called on them to continue to be a good watch dog on the executive and make laws that will improve the lot of Nigerians.
