Frim L-R, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa receiving H.E Dr. Yakubu Gambo, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Saudi Arabia recently at NiDCOM Headquarters, Abuja
By Fatima Saka
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) and the Nigerian Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have intensified efforts to strengthen diaspora engagement, with a renewed focus on highlighting the positive contributions of Nigerians living in the country.
Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to continued collaboration with the Nigerian Mission, stressing the need to project a balanced narrative about Nigerians abroad.
“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,” she said, noting that many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia are thriving as doctors, engineers and other professionals.
Earlier, Ambassador Gambo disclosed that diaspora matters remain a top priority under his leadership, in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy framework anchored on the “four Ds,” which recognises diaspora engagement as a critical pillar.
He explained that contrary to common perceptions, Saudi Arabia hosts a large population of skilled Nigerian professionals, as well as long-established families contributing meaningfully to society.
To improve coordination, the ambassador said the Mission had directed Nigerian groups in the country to unify under a single umbrella body to enhance engagement and streamline responses to diaspora-related issues.
He, however, raised concerns over challenges involving Nigerians in prisons and detention centres, particularly those unable to return home after completing their jail terms due to unpaid fines.
Also speaking, the Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya, identified consular services as a major challenge, revealing that officials process dozens of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) daily for Nigerians in detention facilities.
He commended NiDCOM for its sustained support, including interventions in high-profile cases such as that of Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa.
Dabiri-Erewa lauded the Mission’s proactive engagement with Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, describing the move to unify diaspora associations as a strategic step toward achieving greater impact.
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She also urged Nigerians in the country to register on NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to enhance planning and strengthen engagement with citizens abroad.
The NiDCOM boss further called for increased support for Nigerian missions grappling with heavy consular workloads, as both parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and boosting diaspora participation in national development.
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