Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM)

CALABAR- Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has described Cross River’s role in diaspora affairs as impressive and historic.

Dabiri-Erewa said this on Thursday, when she paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Bassey Otu at the Governor’s Office in Calabar.

She lauded Cross River for being the first state in Nigeria to establish a state-level diaspora commission building, and expressed delight at its active role in diaspora matters.

“When I saw your diaspora office, I even joked that NIDCOM’s corporate headquarters can be moved here.

“I enjoin Cross River to actively participate in the national diaspora activities such as Diaspora Day which is held between July 25 and 26 and the Diaspora Merit Awards, which recognises Nigerians excelling abroad while contributing to development at home,” she said.

In his response, Otu commended the NiDCOM chairman for her pioneering role in strengthening Nigeria’s ties with its citizens abroad, and noted that her leadership had helped reduce negative perceptions about Nigerians in the diaspora.

“The speed with which we established the Cross River diaspora office was because of your track record.

“Before you came on board, there was a disconnect between Nigeria and other countries, today, the story has changed,” he said.

He noted that the state would in October host the National Diaspora Focal Persons Summit, an event expected to draw stakeholders from across Nigeria and international partners to Calabar.

The governor described the state as one of Nigeria’s safest and most attractive destinations, highlighting its strides in infrastructure, health, tourism, and agriculture.

He assured that the state was fully prepared to host the forthcoming summit and leverage it to showcase its economic and investment potential while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to partnership to make the summit a success.

Earlier, Mr Otu Okor, Chairman Cross River Diaspora Commission (CRIDCOM), said the upcoming three-day summit would consolidate new and ongoing partnerships.

Okor noted that within four months of its establishment, CRIDCOM had engaged with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), and renewed ties with the State of Maryland, United States of America (USA).

He added that based on the governor’s approval, they would sign a formal partnership with the IOM, to further position Cross River as a hub for diaspora collaboration.

He stressed that hosting the summit in Calabar would project the state as a model for diaspora-driven development. (NAN)

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) Mr Toyin Adenugba, a Friend and Supporter of JAALS Foundation and the 12 stranded miners who were repatriated from Central America Republic

ABUJA- Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has received 12 Nigerian miners stranded in the Central African Republic (CAR) in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that last month, NiDCOM’s attention was drawn to a viral video alleging Nigerians were being maltreated in CAR.

These Nigerians were deceived and abandoned in a foreign land, forced to work for 11 months without pay.

Their passports were also confiscated, leaving them stranded. They urged the Nigerian government to intervene and rescue them.

Sequel to this, the Commission contacted officials of the Embassy in CAR to look into the matter.

Receiving the stranded miners, Dabiri-Erewa welcomed them home and said the repatriation involved collaborations with several agencies, including NEMA, Immigration, Nigerian Embassy in CAR, NiDCOM and others.

She said their experience should be a lesson to other Nigerians, stressing the importance of confirming the legitimacy of employers and ensuring safety and security are prioritised.

She added that, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the welfare of Nigerians matters to him, no matter where they are in the world.

“So, we are going to follow up with you and demand your salaries are paid. Whatever you are owed, we will take that up for you.

“In the meantime, we will work with other agencies to support you while you are back home. We will also assess your skills for job placement.

“We are happy to see you and will stay in touch to reintegrate you into the system,” she said.

She urged Nigerians to see the miners’ ordeal as a warning to those seeking greener pastures abroad, advising them to follow proper channels to avoid such hardship.

Dabiri-Erewa said the Commission would provide cash support to the returnees, which would be transferred to their accounts, adding that many Nigerians would assist them in various ways.

The support, she added, would help sustain them until they secured new jobs.

Speaking earlier, Igorigo Freeborn thanked President Tinubu for the swift intervention through the relevant agencies that facilitated their return home.

He urged Nigerians to desist from circulating negative reports about the country, saying Nigeria is great and its government cares for its people.

He admitted to being among those criticising Nigeria but acknowledged that the same government he criticised rescued them from CAR.

He narrated their ordeal in CAR, describing it as dehumanising, alleging they were homosexually molested by a Chinese national, Mr Wu, from Denaco Erado Mining Company.

He added that two Nigerians and a Cameroonian who complained were sacked and treated badly.

Another returnee, Mr Rotimi Kupoluyi, appreciated Tinubu’s government for caring about Nigerians abroad, whether they were doing well or not.

He spoke about their terrible experience and urged the government, through NiDCOM, to help facilitate the payment of salaries owed for nearly a year.

Dr Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, presented the miners with cash gifts to help them restart life.

He said the JAALS Foundation is dedicated to justice and human rights, and to protecting society’s most vulnerable with compassion, fairness, and rehabilitation.

Aderemi, represented by Mr Toyin Adenugba, said they regularly take steps to ensure vulnerable people are treated with dignity and given opportunities to rebuild their lives.

“We are happy that NiDCOM shares this noble view. Gentlemen, welcome back!

“It’s a joy to have you here. We acknowledge the incredible strength and resilience you’ve shown throughout this journey.

“This cash gift isn’t just a handout; it’s a token of our belief in your potential and your future.

“Think of it as a seed to grow something new at home, or a means to provide for your family.

“You are starting with experience and a perspective that will be invaluable in building a brighter future for yourselves and the community.

“We support you, believe in you, and are excited to see the amazing things you will accomplish. Welcome home,” he said.

NAN reports that the other returnees are Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowose Yekini, Akubo Oluwasewu, Olayemi Adewale, and Stephen Otidi.

Others include Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Muhammed, Bala Unekwu, and Yusuf Bameyi. (NAN)

ABUJA- The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has partnered with First Bank Plc to facilitate diaspora banking services for Nigerians in the United Kingdom (UK).

NiDCOM disclosed this in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in Abuja on Monday.
Balogun stated that the partnership was held during Nigeria UK Festival at Barking Park, London.
He noted that in spite the heavy rains, hundreds of Nigerians turned out to take advantage of the opportunity to open bank accounts, reflecting a strong interest in accessible financial solutions.
The commission’s spokesperson described the event as “a practical demonstration of NiDCOM’s commitment to bridging service gaps for the Nigerian diaspora community.”
According to him, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, was represented by the commission’s Director of Remittances and Investment, Abdulrahman Terab.
Dabiri-Erewa said that the initiative was a broader strategy to ensuring that Nigerians Diaspora gained access to smooth banking provision.
“This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure Nigerians in the diaspora have smooth access to essential banking services and are empowered to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s economy.”
She commended the resilience of Nigerians in attendance and reaffirmed NiDCOM’s continued commitment to fostering collaborations that prioritise diaspora needs, financial inclusion.
According to her, the strategic partnerships such as this with First Bank Plc will open new frontiers for diaspora engagement, enabling them to save, invest, and remit more efficiently.
“This activation is not just about opening accounts, it is about strengthening trust, enhancing access, and ensuring that the Nigerian diaspora is financially equipped to thrive abroad and contribute at home,” she said.
The NiDCOM boss reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to promote initiatives that serve the best interests of Nigerians in the diaspora through consistent engagement and sustainable collaborations. (NAN)