Politics
THE Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has dismissed reports alleging that it could not account for about N200 million spent on events organised by the commission in 2023.
NiDCOM described the reports as false and an alleged campaign of calumny against its leadership ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Mr Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
Balogun said the commission had been contacted by a UK-based group, Global Integrity Watch (GIW), over the allegations.
He said NiDCOM would respond to any inquiries officially received from the National Assembly or the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.
“NiDCOM will unequivocally answer any questions it officially receives from the Auditor-General or NASS when invited,” he said.
According to him, the commission organised five major events in 2023, with support from sponsors also sought to complement its resources.
He listed the events as the Global African Diaspora Summit, National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Award, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Badagry Door of Return.
He said the Global African Diaspora Summit attracted participants from 16 countries and resulted in the NiDCOM Chairman being named the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) champion.
Balogun added that NiDCOM also organised and participated in several other diaspora-related programmes outside Nigeria during the year.
“For the avoidance of doubt, all documents relating to expenses incurred by the commission are intact and will be made available to the relevant National Assembly committees overseeing the commission when called upon,” he said.
The director further questioned the credibility of GIW, alleging that the organisation was registered and launched in London on Aug. 17, 2026.
He alleged that the organisation was targeting and “witch-hunting” Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and certain personalities for political reasons.
According to him, the organisation’s stated activities include information technology consultancy, management of real estate on a fee or contract basis, travel agency activities and specialised cleaning services.
He alleged that the organisation was instead focused on “blackmail and witch-hunting”.
Balogun said NiDCOM had continued to discharge its responsibilities despite limited resources.
He said the commission would provide all necessary documentation whenever formally invited by the appropriate authorities.
“NiDCOM will certainly not succumb to social media blackmail,” he said.
The statement was signed by Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NiDCOM, Abuja.
Tags: allegations NIDCOM