The House of Representatives committee on Diaspora has been given additional mandate to enable its carry out its task successfully and diligently.
The chairman of the committee, Rep. Rita Oji briefed members of the committee during an interactive session amongst themselves.
Rep. Oji said the new mandate of the committee is to look into the welfare and protection of Nigerian citizens abroad.
Also to oversight the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Diaspora and the annual budget estimate on Diaspora matters.
The chairman said with the new mandate they will be able to address issues that is affecting Nigerians in Diaspora.
It is will be recall that the above mandates before now were been handled by the committee on Foreign Affairs.
The lawmakers expressed their satisfaction and joy for the new assignments.
They also appreciated the chairman for working relentlessly for the success the committee has achieved so far.
According to Rep. Aminu Shagari, "we are happy the mandate was given to another vibrant person. This is no small achievements, I am sure your name will go down history.
Rep. Shagari also said the committee can now get responses for the questions they have been asking the ministry regarding diaspora funds.
The chairman in her closing remarks also raised the issue of funding which according to her is gamine for the success of the committee.
"They are instance where we have to carry out investigations of Nigerians outside the country".
"I single handedly sponsored the trip to Italy to investigate the case of a Nigeria lady whose kidney and bone marrow were wrongly removed without her consent", she stated.
She further reiterated the committee's commitment to protect their rights and privileges hence it is the reason why Nigerians elected them.
The committee vowed to investigate issues of extortion through visa renewal, violations and abuses of Nigerians in diaspora.
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