NiDCOM, First Bank Empower Nigerians Abroad with Diaspora Banking at UK Festival

London, July 21, 2025 

Heavy rains didn’t deter hundreds of Nigerians in the United Kingdom from seizing a rare opportunity to open Nigerian bank accounts and access financial services, as the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) partnered with First Bank Plc during the Nigeria UK Festival held at Barking Park, London.

The diaspora banking activation, supervised by Hon. Abdulrahman Terab, Director of Remittances and Investment at NiDCOM, provided festivalgoers with on-the-spot banking solutions. Representing NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Terab described the initiative as part of a broader commitment to financial inclusion and economic empowerment for Nigerians abroad.

“This goes beyond opening accounts it’s about connecting our diaspora to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure in a meaningful and sustainable way,” Terab said.

Hon. Dabiri-Erewa, in a message delivered through the Commission’s media office, applauded the turnout and resilience of Nigerians who braved the storm. She emphasized NiDCOM’s dedication to building strategic alliances that close service gaps and enhance diaspora engagement.

“Financial inclusion remains a cornerstone of our engagement strategy,” she stated. “This collaboration with First Bank Plc reflects our determination to give Nigerians abroad the tools they need to save, invest, and remit with ease ultimately strengthening their connection to home.”

NiDCOM described the activation as a bold move to bridge long-standing gaps in diaspora financial access, reaffirming its commitment to initiatives that address the real-time needs of the Nigerian diaspora community.