NIDO Worldwide, not constituted to speak for Nigerians in Diaspora - NiDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, says a body which presents itself as ‘NIDO Worldwide’ is not duly constituted to speak for Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters across the world.

NiDCOM, noted that while NIDO was established as a non-political, non-governmental organisation to serve as an umbrella body for Nigerians in the Diaspora, with country and continental structures, NIDO has over the years, been plagued by leadership disputes, factionalization and fragmentation within some of its structures. 

The Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, NiDCOM, Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, who made the clarification in a statement Tuesday September 29, said in several countries, NIDO does not exist at all, while other credible and recognized Diaspora organizations operate effectively and efficiently.

“The Commission notes that one Mr. Chibuzor Ubochi, who purports to be the leader of “NIDO Worldwide”, is in fact a factional Chairman of one of the Continental Chapters and currently has a pending court case against him in that regard.

“Consequently, NiDCOM strongly advises the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Nigerian Missions abroad to exercise extreme caution and avoid falling victim to a phantom organisation calling itself “NIDO Worldwide”.

“NiDCOM is concerned about the lingering crises within several NIDO structures and appeals to all factions to close ranks, put their houses in order, and work together in unity in the overall interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora. 

“The Commission further urges all Diaspora groups to refrain from dragging NIDO into political partisanship.

“NiDCOM further advises MDAs and Nigerian Missions abroad to seek proper clarification and guidance from the Commission before engaging with any individual or group that claims to represent the Diaspora as the Commission has a register of all duly registered diaspora groups and associations. 

“The Commission remains open and committed to working with all duly constituted Diaspora organisations and well-meaning Nigerians in the Diaspora worldwide, in line with its mandate to harness the human capital and material resources of Nigerians abroad for the socio-economic development of Nigeria”, the statement, explained.

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