NiDCOM, FirstBank Collaborate on Housing Initiative for Nigerians in Diaspora

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has entered into a strategic partnership with FirstBank of Nigeria to provide accessible and reliable housing solutions for Nigerians living abroad. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing concerns of diaspora citizens over fraudulent property transactions and the difficulty of owning homes back in Nigeria.

The agreement, recently formalized in Abuja, brings together NiDCOM’s policy direction and diaspora engagement expertise with FirstBank’s financial infrastructure and mortgage capabilities. Under the new arrangement, Nigerians living outside the country will have access to verified real estate developers, mortgage financing options, and digital platforms that ensure safe and transparent property acquisition.

Speaking at the partnership announcement, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, said the collaboration would help bridge the trust gap that has discouraged many Nigerians in the diaspora from investing in real estate back home. “One of the key complaints we constantly receive is about unreliable agents and developers. This partnership is a game changer, because it provides a structured, trustworthy channel for our people abroad to own property in Nigeria without fear,” she said.

The scheme is designed to offer both outright purchase and flexible payment plans for different income levels. Nigerians in the diaspora will be able to apply for housing through a secured digital portal, where they can view property listings, interact with certified developers, and monitor progress in real-time.

FirstBank’s Executive Director, Public Sector Group, Abdullahi Ibrahim, noted that the bank’s involvement would ensure financial transparency and consumer protection. “We understand the dreams and expectations of our diaspora population, and we are proud to be part of this initiative. Through our mortgage services and digital banking tools, we will provide a seamless experience that allows Nigerians abroad to invest in real estate with confidence.”

The housing units under the scheme will be developed by approved companies that have passed background checks and quality assurance assessments. The project locations span several states, including Lagos, Ogun, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, with varying home sizes and costs to suit different budgets and preferences.

Dabiri-Erewa also stated that the programme will support the Federal Government’s efforts to attract diaspora remittances toward tangible, long-term investments. “Remittances from Nigerians abroad reached over $20 billion last year. We want to see more of that going into assets like housing and infrastructure development, which have real economic and social impact.”

In addition to home acquisition, the partnership includes provisions for property management and after-sales services, ensuring that buyers can have their houses maintained in their absence. There are also plans to incorporate legal advisory support to protect diaspora investors from land disputes or documentation issues.

NiDCOM emphasized that the initiative will not only provide personal value to individual Nigerians abroad but also contribute to national development by boosting the housing sector, generating employment, and encouraging the use of modern construction technologies.

FirstBank reiterated its commitment to offering competitive mortgage rates, with flexible repayment tenures of up to 10 or 15 years depending on property value and the applicant’s income stream. The bank will also provide financial advisory services to help potential buyers make informed decisions.

Stakeholders from diaspora communities have expressed optimism about the project. Many have welcomed the involvement of a credible financial institution and a government agency, saying it increases trust and reduces the risk of fraud that has plagued earlier attempts by individuals trying to build or buy property from abroad.

Pilot testing of the platform is already underway, and full rollout is expected later in the year. NiDCOM urged interested diaspora Nigerians to visit its official channels for updates and application procedures, assuring them of a secure and simplified experience.

This collaboration marks another step in Nigeria’s drive to harness the potential of its diaspora population, not only in remittances but also in national development. With more than 17 million Nigerians living outside the country, the demand for credible investment pathways continues to rise.

The NiDCOM-FirstBank housing partnership is expected to open new doors for diasporans who have long desired to own property in Nigeria, offering a blend of security, flexibility, and peace of mind.