What is the Nigerian Center Policy Advisory Council?

The Nigerian Center Policy Advisory Council is a nonpartisan, national body of distinguished community leaders dedicated to advancing policies that strengthen Black immigrant communities and the broader Nigerian diaspora in the United States. The Council provides strategic guidance, subject-matter expertise, and informed recommendations to support the Nigerian Center's policy, research, and advocacy initiatives. Council members contribute to policy development, legislative advocacy, research, public education, and thought leadership on issues affecting Nigerian Americans and other Black immigrant communities. They also serve as trusted advisors, helping identify emerging challenges and opportunities while fostering partnerships across sectors.

Members will have opportunities to collaborate with elected officials, government agencies, universities, philanthropic foundations, corporate partners, and community organizations to advance evidence-based solutions and expand the Center's national impact.

Policy Priorities

  • Immigration Justice

  • Diaspora Affairs

  • Civic Engagement & Democratic Participation

  • Economic Opportunity & Entrepreneurship

  • Education & Workforce Development

  • Health Equity & Public Health

  • U.S.–Nigeria Relations

  • International Development & Global Partnerships

What are the Benefits of Serving as a Council Member?

  • Shape policies affecting Nigerian American, Black immigrant, and African diaspora communities.

  • Join a national network of respected professionals and community leaders.

  • Receive policy advocacy, organizing, leadership, and civic engagement training

  • Collaborate with experts across government, academia, business, and nonprofit sectors.

  • Contribute to policy briefs, research publications, and advocacy campaigns

  • Participate in meetings with policymakers and public officials

  • Receive support for approved advocacy activities and policy engagement opportunities.

  • Be considered for future leadership opportunities, including service on committees and the Nigerian Center Governing Board

Council Responsibilities & Commitment

Membership on the Nigerian Center Policy Advisory Council is a volunteer appointment with a one-year term of service. Council Members are expected to actively contribute to the Council's work by:

  • Serving as ambassadors and community leaders who advance the Nigerian Center's mission, policy priorities, and civic engagement efforts.

  • Participating in quarterly Council meetings, strategic planning discussions, and at least one policy working group.

  • Contributing to policy research, issue briefs, legislative recommendations, advocacy campaigns, and other initiatives that advance the Council's priorities.

  • Monitoring and analyzing federal, state, and local policy developments affecting Nigerian Americans, Black immigrants, and the broader African diaspora.

  • Participating in congressional briefings, legislative meetings, policy roundtables, advocacy events, and, when appropriate, providing expert testimony or public comment before Congress, state legislatures, county and city councils, and other governmental bodies.

  • Supporting Nigerian Center clients and communities by helping connect individuals to public resources, government services, and elected officials' constituent offices.

Council meetings may be held virtually, in person, or in a hybrid format. Additional information regarding meeting schedules and Council activities will be provided to selected members.

Eligibility

  • Applicants may come from nonprofit organizations, government, media, business, academia, healthcare, law, philanthropy, faith communities, grassroots advocacy, or other sectors connected to the Council’s policy priorities.

  • Applicants must reside in the United States during their term of service.

  • Applicants should be able to participate actively in Council meetings, working groups, and related policy activities.

  • Applicants do not need to live in a priority state to be considered.

  • Applicants should be committed to nonpartisan civic engagement and respectful collaboration across diverse communities and viewpoints.

Priority States

The Nigerian Center is particularly seeking applicants from Maryland, Texas, Florida, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Massachusetts, Georgia, Washington DC.

Please Note: Applications from qualified individuals in all U.S. states are welcome.

How to Apply

  • Applications Open: August 17, 2026

  • Application Deadline: August 31, 2026

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed based on alignment with the Council’s mission, demonstrated leadership, relevant expertise, commitment to public service, ability to contribute to policy priorities, and capacity to participate actively throughout the term. The Nigerian Center will invite finalists to participate in an interview or follow-up conversation before final selections are made.

Questions and Contact

For questions about the Nigerian Center Policy Advisory Council or the application process, please contact: Nkechi Ilechie, Policy Director, Nigerian Center nkechi@nigeriancenter.org

We invite qualified leaders across the United States to apply and help shape policies that strengthen Nigerian American, Black immigrant, and African diaspora communities.

APPLY