NiDCOM Boss Mourns ‘Rare Gem’ Maryam Murtala, Canadian-Based Entrepreneur And Community Leader

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), has expressed profound shock and grief over the passing of Mrs. Maryam Murtala, a prominent Canadian-based Nigerian trailblazer, lawyer, and community leader.

In an official condolence statement issued on September 15, 2026, by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described the deceased as a “rare gem” and a selfless patriot who served as a vital bridge between Nigeria and Canada.

Until her passing, Mrs. Murtala wore many hats. She was a lawyer by profession, the Public Relations Director at the Network of Nigerians in Canada (NNC), and the Founder and CEO of Canada Vendors—a platform she established to market, advertise, and promote Nigerian-owned businesses in Canada to a global audience.

Dabiri-Erewa particularly highlighted Murtala’s monumental contributions to the recently concluded, highly successful first Nigerian Diaspora Economic Summit held in Canada in August 2026. Murtala served as the head of media and marketing for the conference, working tirelessly to ensure the voices of vendors, women, and small business owners were elevated and celebrated.

“We have lost a sister, a leader, and a patriot,” Dabiri-Erewa said, reflecting on her personal two-year acquaintance with Murtala. “Her legacy will live on in every vendor she empowered, every business she supported, and every life she touched.”

On behalf of NiDCOM and the Nigerian government, the Commission extended its deepest condolences to Murtala’s family, the Canada Vendors network, and the entire Nigerian diaspora community in Canada. Dabiri-Erewa offered prayers for the repose of her soul, asking Almighty Allah to forgive her shortcomings, grant her family fortitude, and admit her into Al-Jannah Firdaus.

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