NiDCOM, NIGERIAN MISSION IN SAUDI STRATEGIZE TO BOOST DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

PRESS RELEASE

NiDCOM, NIGERIAN MISSION IN SAUDI STRATEGIZE TO BOOST DIASPORA ENGAGEMENT

Abuja, August 7, 2026

The Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has pledged the Commission’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian Mission in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to strengthen diaspora engagement, and showcase the positive contributions of Nigerians living in Saudi.

She made the statement while receiving in audience the Ambassador of Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, alongside the Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Ambassador Gambo said that upon assuming duties, he made diaspora issues a priority because “the four Ds of Nigeria’s foreign policy underscores diaspora issues. He disclosed that contrary to popular belief, Saudi Arabia is home to many Nigerian professionals, including doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans and traders, as well as long-established Nigerian families.

He explained that the Mission had directed the various Nigerian groups to organize themselves under one umbrella body to foster unity and enable the Embassy to engage meaningfully and effectively in addressing any diaspora issue.
He also highlighted challenges involving Nigerians in prisons, detention centres and those unable to return home after completing their jail terms due to outstanding fines.

Also, Ambassador Muazam Nayaya the Nigerian Consul General in Jeddah described consular services as the Mission’s biggest challenge, revealing that officers issue dozens of Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) daily to Nigerians in detention centers.
He also commended NiDCOM for their support in the case involving Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa and other interventions done.by the Commission.

Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended both envoys for their proactive engagements with Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and Jeddah describing the initiative to unite the various Nigerian Associations as a positive step for greater achievements.

She noted that many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia are excelling as doctors, engineers and other professionals, stressing that “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”

The NiDCOM Boss urged Nigerians in Saudi Arabia to register on the Commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to strengthen planning and engagement. She also called for greater support for Nigerian missions handling heavy consular responsibilities,

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to promoting the welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and strengthening diaspora participation in national development.

*E-Signed*

*Violet Nwosu*
Media, Public Relations and Protocol
NiDCOM, Abuja.