STATEMENT BY NIDO ESWATINI ON THE RECENT NIDO WORLDWIDE STATEMENT CONCERNING NiDCOM

STATEMENT BY NIDO ESWATINI ON THE RECENT NIDO WORLDWIDE STATEMENT CONCERNING NiDCOM

NiDO Eswatini has taken note of the recent statement issued by NIDO Worldwide concerning the audit observations relating to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

We recognise the importance of transparency, accountability and proper stewardship of public resources. These are principles that should concern every Nigerian, including Nigerians living in the diaspora.

We also acknowledge that the issues raised by the Auditor-General are matters that deserve appropriate examination and response. NIDO Worldwide has itself correctly noted that an audit observation should not automatically be treated as a finding of criminal liability or personal wrongdoing.

However, NiDO Eswatini believes that there is an important question of institutional responsibility and timing.

The matters raised in the Auditor-General’s report are already within the remit of the appropriate constitutional and governmental institutions, including the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and the relevant committees of the National Assembly. NIDO Worldwide has also acknowledged that NiDCOM indicated that relevant documentation is available and would be provided to the appropriate authorities when formally required.

In our view, therefore, the appropriate statutory institutions should be allowed to complete their work and reach their conclusions based on documentary evidence.

NIDO’s role should remain primarily advocacy

NiDO Eswatini respectfully believes that the principal strength of NIDO Worldwide lies in its ability to advocate for Nigerians in the diaspora.

There are many issues affecting Nigerians abroad that require sustained advocacy: consular services, diaspora voting, investment protection, welfare and repatriation, immigration and documentation, recognition of diaspora expertise, and meaningful participation of Nigerians abroad in national development.

These are areas where NIDO can make a significant and constructive contribution.

NIDO Worldwide itself identified several of these issues in its recent statement, including diaspora voting and dedicated Diaspora Desks in Nigerian diplomatic missions.

We therefore encourage NIDO Worldwide to remain strongly focused on these areas while allowing the constitutional institutions responsible for public auditing and legislative oversight to perform their statutory functions.

The importance of political neutrality at this time

NiDO Eswatini also believes that NIDO structures at every level should exercise particular caution in the manner in which public institutional matters are addressed at this time.

Nigeria is already in the preparation period for the 2027 General Elections. INEC has commenced preparations for the electoral cycle, and the election timetable is already in operation.

This does not mean that NIDO should remain silent on matters of public accountability.

Rather, it means that NIDO should be careful that legitimate advocacy is not inadvertently perceived as participation in political contests or disputes.

NIDO is a diaspora organisation representing Nigerians with diverse political affiliations and interests. Its credibility depends substantially on its ability to engage successive administrations and public institutions constructively, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.

Our position is therefore that NIDO should advocate strongly, but advocate carefully.

We should not allow legitimate diaspora advocacy to become entangled with political narratives, particularly during an increasingly active electoral period.

Accountability should apply across the diaspora ecosystem

NiDO Eswatini also believes that the principle of transparency should apply consistently.

If NIDO Worldwide is calling for transparency and accountability from public institutions, it is equally important for NIDO itself to demonstrate a high standard of financial transparency to its members and stakeholders.

We therefore encourage NIDO Worldwide to make arrangements to present and, where appropriate, publish its own audited financial report, together with the relevant financial information that its members are entitled to receive under its governing arrangements.

This should not be interpreted as an accusation against NIDO Worldwide.

Quite the opposite.

It is an opportunity for NIDO to demonstrate that the standards of accountability it advocates for public institutions are standards that the organisation is also prepared to uphold within its own structures.

Accountability is strongest when it is applied consistently.

Our position

NiDO Eswatini therefore respectfully encourages:

1. NiDCOM to provide all documents and explanations formally requested by the Auditor-General and the National Assembly.

2. The Auditor-General and relevant National Assembly committees to complete their constitutional responsibilities independently and based on the available evidence.

3. NIDO Worldwide to allow the appropriate government institutions to handle the audit process while continuing its legitimate advocacy for Nigerians in the diaspora.

4. NIDO Worldwide and all NIDO structures to maintain political neutrality and avoid actions or communications that could reasonably be interpreted as taking sides in political contests.

5. NIDO Worldwide to strengthen its advocacy around issues that directly affect Nigerians in the diaspora, rather than becoming unnecessarily drawn into institutional disputes that are already before competent government authorities.

6. NIDO Worldwide to present its own audited financial report to its members and relevant stakeholders, demonstrating the same commitment to transparency and accountability that it expects from others.

7. All NIDO structures to promote constructive engagement rather than confrontation, particularly where government institutions have established constitutional and statutory mechanisms for addressing the issues concerned.

Conclusion

NiDO Eswatini does not believe that accountability and institutional cooperation are mutually exclusive.

We can demand transparency while respecting due process.

We can ask questions without prejudging the answers.

We can advocate for Nigerians in the diaspora without becoming participants in political contests.

And we can expect accountability from public institutions while demonstrating accountability within our own organisation.

The current situation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to demonstrate maturity and institutional responsibility.

Let the relevant government institutions do their work.

Let the evidence speak.

Let due process determine the outcome.

And let NIDO remain focused on what it exists to do — advocating for, connecting and advancing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora.

Pastor Odeyemi Z A
President

Hon Edet Charles
Secretary

Dr Adesola A Olayinka
BOT Chairman
NiDO Eswatini

20 September 2026