The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has issued a warning to the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian Missions abroad, against engaging with a group presenting itself as “NIDO Worldwide.” NiDCOM described the purported organisation as not being a duly constituted body with the authority to speak on behalf of all chapters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) worldwide.
NIDO was established as a non-political, non-governmental umbrella organisation for Nigerians in the Diaspora, with country and continental structures. However, it has experienced leadership disputes, factionalisation and fragmentation in some of its structures over the years. The Commission noted that NIDO does not exist in several countries, while other credible and recognised diaspora organisations operate effectively in those countries.
NiDCOM specifically stated that one Chibuzor Ubochi, who claims to lead “NIDO Worldwide”, is a factional chairman of one of the continental chapters and has a pending court case against him in that regard. The Commission urged government institutions and Nigerian diplomatic missions to exercise caution and avoid engaging with what it described as a “phantom organisation” claiming to be NIDO Worldwide.
The Commission appealed to the various NIDO factions to resolve their differences, restore unity and work together in the interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora. It further urged diaspora organisations to avoid dragging NIDO into political partisanship. According to NiDCOM, this will help to promote unity and cooperation among Nigerians abroad.
NiDCOM also advised MDAs and Nigerian Missions abroad to seek clarification and guidance from the Commission before engaging with individuals or groups claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora. This is to ensure that they are dealing with properly constituted organisations and well-meaning Nigerians abroad.
The Commission maintains a register of duly registered diaspora groups and associations and remains committed to working with properly constituted organisations and well-meaning Nigerians abroad. NiDCOM said such collaboration was in line with its mandate to harness the human and material resources of Nigerians in the Diaspora for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
The warning by NiDCOM is aimed at preventing further fragmentation and promoting unity among Nigerians in the Diaspora. The Commission's efforts are geared towards ensuring that the interests of Nigerians abroad are represented and protected.
Key points
- NiDCOM warns against engaging with 'NIDO Worldwide' due to its lack of authority to represent the diaspora.
- The Commission advises MDAs and Nigerian Missions abroad to seek clarification and guidance from NiDCOM before engaging with individuals or groups claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.
- NiDCOM maintains a register of duly registered diaspora groups and associations and remains committed to working with properly constituted organisations and well-meaning Nigerians abroad.
