In the late 1990s, there was a vibrant debate on the phenomenon of Brain-drain, the migration of skilled human resources for trade, education, and greater opportunity mostly from developing countries to the West. This was the foreshadow of a series of deliberations between former Nigerian President, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, and Nigerian professionals in the United States, in Atlanta, Georgia. These discussions focused on how to harness the talent and resources of Nigerians in Diaspora toward the economic and social development of Nigeria. Hence, the birth of the Nigerian in Diaspora Organization Americas, NIDOA.

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Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Americas was incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2000-2001 in the District of Columbia and its headquarters to date is in Washington DC. NIDO is the single representative body recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria as the umbrella organization for Nigerians in the Diaspora. The Federal policy of Nigeria mandates all foreign missions overseas to support the development of the organization. NIDO provides a unique platform for intellectuals, technocrats, policymakers, workers, and all Nigerians in Diaspora to present development propositions to the Government at all levels.

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