By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has expressed strong concern over a viral video circulating on social media, which shows a group of Ghanaians protesting and calling for Nigerians to be deported from Ghana. The protesters reportedly accused Nigerians of behaviours and attitudes they claimed were not in alignment with Ghanaian societal norms.
Reacting to the development, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Relations, Abdul-Rahman Balogun, condemned the sweeping generalisation and stigmatization of Nigerians living in Ghana.
“Nigerians are not criminals,” she stated firmly. “They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. Those who engage in criminal activities should be identified and made to face the law, but such blanket condemnation of Nigerians is unacceptable and should be condemned by all.”
Dabiri-Erewa reminded both nations of their long-standing historical, cultural and regional ties, describing Ghana and Nigeria as “Siamese twins” whose citizens have coexisted for decades. “In the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration, both countries should continue to live in peace like brothers,” she urged.
The NIDCOM boss appealed for calm and advised Nigerians residing in Ghana not to retaliate or be provoked into violence. She assured that the issue is already being addressed at the diplomatic level by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu.
She also warned against the use of inciteful and inflammatory language by individuals on either side, stressing that such rhetoric could exacerbate tensions. “Anyone using inflammatory statements should desist immediately. We must not allow words to escalate the matter beyond what it already is,” she cautioned.
Dabiri-Erewa further urged Nigerians to disregard circulating reports and videos suggesting that Nigerian shops and properties in Ghana were being destroyed, stating categorically that there is no evidence supporting such claims.
She commended the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissioners for their swift and collaborative efforts to manage the situation, adding that Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu has remained in close contact with Ghanaian authorities and has initiated proactive diplomatic engagements to de-escalate the tension.
The commission reiterated its call for continued peaceful coexistence, urging both governments and citizens to promote dialogue and understanding as key tools for resolving any cross-border grievances or cultural misunderstandings.
