Commission Warns MDAs, Embassies Against Fake Diaspora Groups

Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned all government Ministries and Agencies (MDAs) Embassies and High Commissions as well as Diaspora groups to beware of phony diaspora groups with apparent sinister and political ulterior motives, parading as authentic diaspora group.

A statement by the director of media, public relations and protocols unit of NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, in Abuja specifically mentioned a group, Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF) which claimed it had established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

According to Balogun, “the so-called forum, an arm of the Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group, is not even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“We are aware that all registered political parties including the ruling party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, etc have diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion their party ideals.

“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.

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“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public, ministries, departments and agencies, embassies, high commissions as well as state and local governments.”

The commission therefore advised all government agencies at both the federal and state levels as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with NIDCOM the status of such groups as NIDCOM has a database of all registered diaspora groups.

“NIDCOM is using this opportunity to also remind all that States have diaspora focal persons who are readily available to handle issues relating to their diaspora.

“NIDCOM is the only commission mandated by an Act of the Parliament to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora, in the last four years.

“It has been, and will continue to fulfill its mandate, while also working with genuine Nigerian diaspora groups, associations and individuals,” the statement added.