By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has warned the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian Missions abroad, against engaging with a group presenting itself as “NIDO Worldwide” and claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.
According to an official statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, the body currently presenting itself as “NIDO Worldwide” is not a duly constituted organisation with the authority to speak for all Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters across the world.
The Commission explained that NIDO was established as a non-political, non-governmental organisation serving as an umbrella body for Nigerians in the Diaspora, with country and continental structures.
NiDCOM, however, said the organisation has over the years faced leadership disputes, factionalisation and fragmentation in some of its structures, adding that NIDO does not exist in several countries where other credible Diaspora organisations operate.
The Commission specifically addressed the claim by Mr. Chibuzor Ubochi to lead “NIDO Worldwide”, stating that he is a factional chairman of one of the continental chapters and has a pending court case against him in that regard.
NiDCOM consequently urged the Federal Government and Nigerian Missions abroad to exercise caution and avoid engaging with what it described as a “phantom organisation” claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The Commission also appealed to the various factions within NIDO structures to resolve their differences, put their houses in order and work together in the interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
It further urged Diaspora groups to refrain from dragging NIDO into political partisanship, stressing the need to preserve the organisation’s non-political character.
NiDCOM advised MDAs and Nigerian Missions abroad to seek proper clarification and guidance from the Commission before engaging with any individual or group claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The Commission said it maintains a register of duly registered Diaspora groups and associations and remains available to provide guidance on recognised organisations.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with all duly constituted Diaspora organisations and well-meaning Nigerians abroad in line with its mandate to harness the human and material resources of Nigerians in the Diaspora for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
