NiDCOM Disowns ‘NIDO Worldwide’, Warns MDAs, Missions Against Phantom Group
Oru Leonard
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has disowned a group presenting itself as “NIDO Worldwide”, saying it does not have the authority to speak on behalf of all Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters across the world.
NiDCOM, in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by its Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the organisation as currently presented by certain individuals was not a duly constituted body representing NIDO globally.
The Commission explained that NIDO was established as a non-political and non-governmental organisation designed to serve as an umbrella body for Nigerians in the Diaspora through country and continental structures.
According to NiDCOM, however, the organisation has over the years experienced leadership disputes, factionalisation and fragmentation in some of its structures.
The Commission also noted that NIDO does not exist in several countries, while other credible and recognised Nigerian Diaspora organisations operate effectively in those locations.
NiDCOM specifically addressed the activities of one Mr. Chibuzor Ubochi, who, it said, purportedly presents himself as the leader of “NIDO Worldwide”.
The Commission alleged that Ubochi was a factional chairman of one of the continental chapters and had a pending court case relating to the matter.
Consequently, NiDCOM advised the Federal Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad, to exercise caution when dealing with individuals or groups claiming to represent NIDO Worldwide.
“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’,” the statement said.
The Commission expressed concern over the continuing crises within some NIDO structures and appealed to the various factions to resolve their differences and work together in the interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
It also urged Diaspora organisations to keep NIDO out of political partisanship.
NiDCOM further advised MDAs and Nigerian missions abroad to seek clarification and guidance from the Commission before engaging individuals or organisations claiming to represent Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The Commission said it maintains a register of duly registered Diaspora groups and associations, which it can use to provide appropriate guidance.
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to working with duly constituted Diaspora organisations and well-meaning Nigerians abroad in accordance with its mandate of harnessing the human and material resources of Nigerians in the Diaspora for Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
Signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director, Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit, the statement urged all stakeholders to promote unity and responsible representation within Nigeria’s Diaspora community.
