NIDO Africa Refutes Claims of Nigerian 'Kingdom' in Ghana

The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Africa has strongly denied recent claims that Nigerians are building a "kingdom" in Ghana, describing the reports as false and politically motivated.

In a statement issued after a leadership meeting held in Abuja, NIDO Africa's Continental Chairman, Professor Jude Osakwe, clarified that the allegations are rooted in a long-abandoned commercial proposal that has been misrepresented to stoke tensions between the two countries.

“Let me be absolutely clear: the propaganda circulating that any Nigerian is building a ‘kingdom’ or has purchased land for such a purpose in Ghana is an outright lie,” Osakwe said.

According to the organisation, the idea in question dates back over a decade and involved the creation of a shopping mall intended to support Nigerian traders in Ghana. The proposal was similar in concept to ethnic business districts like Chinatowns but was never executed and has since been shelved.

Osakwe accused a blogger identified as Zairus and Ghanaian opposition politician Hassan Ayariga of reviving the outdated concept to fuel misinformation and stir anti-Nigerian sentiment. He noted that Ayariga has a history of making inflammatory statements targeting Nigerians.

“This is a calculated attempt to mislead the public and provoke division between two historically friendly nations,” he said.

NIDO Africa urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain calm and law-abiding while calling on both the Nigerian and Ghanaian governments to address the growing wave of misinformation. Osakwe emphasized that the majority of Nigerians in Ghana are investors contributing to the local economy.

He commended the Ghanaian government, the Nigerian High Commission in Accra, and the Ghana-based Nigerian community for maintaining peaceful relations. He also praised the ongoing diplomatic efforts by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu, who is currently engaging Ghanaian authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian nationals.

Additionally, the organisation lauded Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), for her continued support of Nigerian communities abroad.

Osakwe concluded by calling on the Nigerian government to engage its Ghanaian counterpart in addressing those behind the misinformation campaign and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the spirit of ECOWAS and regional cooperation.