NiDCOM Disowns “NIDO Worldwide,” Warns MDAs Against Dealing With “Phantom” Diaspora Group
ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has strongly warned the Federal Government, ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and Nigerian foreign missions to avoid dealing with a group presenting itself as “NIDO Worldwide,” labeling it an unconstituted and “phantom” organization.
In a press release signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, NiDCOM clarified that the group has no legal authority to speak on behalf of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) chapters globally.
The commission highlighted that NIDO, originally set up as a non-political umbrella body for Nigerians abroad, has suffered from chronic leadership disputes and factionalisation. In fact, NiDCOM noted that NIDO does not even exist in several countries, where other credible diaspora groups instead operate successfully.
The statement specifically named Mr. Chibuzor Ubochi, who claims to lead “NIDO Worldwide,” identifying him as merely a factional chairman of a single continental chapter who is currently facing a pending court case.
Expressing concern over the ongoing internal crises, NiDCOM urged the differing factions to resolve their disputes, avoid political partisanship, and work together in unity. Moving forward, the commission advised all government agencies and foreign missions to cross-check with NiDCOM’s official register of verified diaspora groups before engaging with any association claiming to represent Nigerians abroad.
