The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has rejected claims that its Chairman/CEO, Hon. (Dr.) Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been selective in promoting the welfare of Igbo nationals abroad, describing the allegations as unfounded and misleading.

The statement, issued on Friday by the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, was in response to a publication by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, who purportedly identified himself as the Deputy President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.

Isiguzoro alleged that Dabiri-Erewa and NIDCOM had neglected the interests of Igbo citizens in the diaspora. NIDCOM dismissed these claims as “spurious and fabricated,” questioning the legitimacy of Isiguzoro’s representation.

The Commission reiterated that it engages with Nigerian citizens abroad regardless of ethnic, religious, or political background. “In all our operations, engagements, and interactions with Nigerians in the diaspora, there is no instance of segregation or selective treatment,” the statement read. It cited interventions on behalf of distressed Nigerians in countries including Libya, Ghana, Mali, Central African Republic, Lebanon, Iraq, South
Africa, Canada, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bosnia Herzegovina, and Ukraine as examples of its broad outreach.

Supporting the Commission, Chief Chibuzo Ubochi, Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Europe and Coordinating Chairman of NIDO Worldwide, described Dabiri-Erewa as “Mama Diaspora,” noting her commitment to inclusion and empowerment of all Nigerians abroad. “Her dedication transcends ethnic and regional lines, and she continues to work tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian abroad is treated with dignity and respect,” he said. Ubochi appealed to Nigerians both at home and abroad to focus on unity rather than divisive claims.

Dabiri-Erewa herself emphasized that ethnic bigotry is a divisive burden and cautioned against politicizing identity-based issues. “It is past time to elevate our discourse, reject balkanization, and set an example that leaves our children a unified Nigeria. We are proud Nigerians, at home and abroad, with a duty to join hands with

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to build a united and prosperous Nigeria,” she said.

NIDCOM’s statement also stressed that while crimes committed by Nigerians abroad are prosecuted regardless of origin, the achievements of law-abiding citizens continue to be celebrated.

The Commission insisted that its mandate is inclusive and centered on protecting and advocating for all Nigerians in the diaspora.