NiDCOM, Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia Unite to Deepen Diaspora Engagement, Spotlight Nigerians’ Success Stories
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have agreed to strengthen collaboration aimed at improving diaspora engagement, promoting the welfare of Nigerians in the Gulf nation and showcasing the achievements of Nigerian professionals contributing to Saudi Arabia’s development.
The renewed commitment was made when the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, received Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, alongside the Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
The development was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and signed by Violet Nwosu, Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit, shortly after the meeting.
Dabiri-Erewa pledged NiDCOM’s continued partnership with the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia to strengthen engagement with Nigerians in the country while projecting the positive contributions of the diaspora community.
She commended both diplomats for prioritising the welfare of Nigerians abroad and described efforts to unite the various Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia under one umbrella body as a commendable initiative capable of fostering stronger cooperation.
“We only hear about the bad cases; we don’t hear about Nigerians excelling in Saudi Arabia. Now is the time to start celebrating them,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The NiDCOM boss noted that many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia are making significant contributions as doctors, engineers, teachers and professionals in other sectors, stressing that their success stories deserve greater recognition.
She also urged Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia to register on the Commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, explaining that comprehensive data would improve planning, policy formulation and engagement with the diaspora community.
In his remarks, Ambassador Gambo said diaspora affairs have remained a major priority since he assumed office, noting that the “four Ds” of Nigeria’s foreign policy place significant emphasis on the Nigerian diaspora.
According to him, contrary to widespread misconceptions, Saudi Arabia hosts thousands of accomplished Nigerians, including doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, traders and long-established Nigerian families.
The ambassador disclosed that the Mission has encouraged various Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia to come together under a unified umbrella organisation to strengthen cohesion and facilitate more effective engagement with the Embassy on diaspora-related issues.
He, however, highlighted persistent challenges involving Nigerians in prisons and detention facilities, particularly those who remain unable to return home after completing their jail terms because of outstanding fines.
The Nigerian Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, described consular services as one of the Mission’s biggest responsibilities, revealing that officials issue dozens of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) daily to Nigerians held in detention centres.
He also commended NiDCOM for its intervention in several consular matters, including the case involving Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa, describing the Commission’s support as invaluable.
Both NiDCOM and the Nigerian Mission reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia while strengthening diaspora participation in Nigeria’s national development through closer collaboration and sustained engagement.
