NIDCOM Dismisses Allegations of Bias in Diaspora Affairs, Reaffirms Commitment to All Nigerians

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has firmly rejected claims that its Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been selective in advancing the welfare of Igbo nationals abroad. The Commission described the allegations as “unfounded, misleading, and deliberately divisive.”

In a statement issued on Friday by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, NIDCOM clarified its position following a publication credited to Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who introduced himself as the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo. Isiguzoro alleged that NIDCOM and its leadership had sidelined the interests of Igbo citizens in the diaspora.

The Commission dismissed the claims as spurious and questioned the legitimacy of Isiguzoro’s representation of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group. “At no time has NIDCOM operated on the basis of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation. Our mandate covers every Nigerian in the diaspora, without exception,” the statement read.

To underscore its inclusivity, NIDCOM highlighted interventions in several countries where distressed Nigerians, irrespective of origin, were assisted. These include rescue and repatriation efforts in Libya, Ghana, Mali, and the Central African Republic, as well as interventions in Lebanon, Iraq, South Africa, Canada, the USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Ukraine.

Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, also came to the Commission’s defense. He described Dabiri-Erewa as “Mama Diaspora,” commending her for consistent efforts to promote inclusion, empowerment, and protection for all Nigerians abroad. “Her dedication transcends ethnic or regional lines, and she continues to ensure that every Nigerian abroad is treated with dignity and respect,” Ubochi stated, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to shun divisive rhetoric.

Dabiri-Erewa herself reiterated the need for unity, warning against attempts to politicize ethnic identity in diaspora matters. “Ethnic bigotry is a burden we cannot afford to carry into the future. It is time to elevate our discourse, reject balkanization, and set an example for our children. We are Nigerians first, and we owe it to our nation and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to build a united and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.

NIDCOM further emphasized that while crimes committed by Nigerians abroad attract legal consequences regardless of ethnicity, the Commission continues to celebrate the contributions and achievements of law-abiding citizens. The agency reaffirmed that its mission is rooted in inclusivity, protection, and advocacy for all Nigerians, regardless of background.