NiDCOM Boss Calls for Unity, Stronger Global Cooperation at First Muslim Diaspora Forum
By Pan Afric Reporters
The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called for greater unity, coordinated action and stronger international cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities to tackle shared challenges and maximise their contributions to national and global development.
The call was contained in a statement issued by Abdur-Rahman Balogun (mnipr), Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, following Dabiri-Erewa’s participation in the First Muslim Diaspora Forum in Ankara, Türkiye, on September 13, 2026.
Representing Nigeria at the forum themed “From Roots to Routes,” Dabiri-Erewa joined Ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers and representatives from more than 47 countries to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities confronting diaspora communities.
The forum was declared open by the Vice President of Türkiye, Cevdet Yılmaz, who urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.
In her presentation titled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa stressed that effective diaspora engagement must extend beyond financial remittances to encompass knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger connections with countries of origin.
She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives and joint action against discrimination and hate speech as areas requiring greater collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.
According to her, NiDCOM has continued to provide accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promote positive narratives, counter misinformation and support Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.
Dabiri-Erewa also highlighted the wider contributions of Nigerians in the diaspora through medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other development-oriented interventions.
“Migration should not sever the connection between citizens and their countries of origin,” she stressed, adding that governments must create opportunities for citizens abroad to remain connected and contribute meaningfully to national development.
She noted that the shared needs of diaspora communities, including dignity, safety, opportunity and freedom to practise their faith, require common solutions and stronger partnerships.
Nigeria, Azerbaijan, Sudan, Türkiye Explore Diaspora Cooperation
On the sidelines of the forum, the NiDCOM boss held engagements with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan; Sayed Ahmed, head of Sudan’s diaspora organisation; and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of SESRIC.
The meetings focused on exchanging experiences, strengthening institutional relationships and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.
Dabiri-Erewa reiterated that the focus should not merely be on stopping migration but on ensuring that Nigerians living abroad remain connected to the country and continue to contribute their skills, knowledge, investment and expertise.
She said Nigeria would strengthen international cooperation on diaspora affairs and deepen relations with participating countries while working with diaspora communities to harness their human capital, culture and diplomatic influence for development.
NiDCOM, Türkiye Seek Action on MoU
The NiDCOM Chairman/CEO also held a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Türkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities (YTB).
Discussions centred on the existing Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB, with both sides stressing the need to translate the agreement into concrete and impactful programmes.
The YTB Vice President called for the identification and implementation of specific projects that Nigeria and Türkiye could jointly undertake, particularly in diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development and broader bilateral cooperation.
The forum concluded with a communique stressing the need to sustain the theme and gains of the summit. The communique was presented by Ali Fahad, a Turkish-Nigerian and programme liaison.
The gathering is expected to strengthen cooperation among Muslim diaspora communities and deepen international partnerships aimed at turning diaspora networks into platforms for development, inclusion and mutual support.
