The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has called for calm following a viral video showing a protest by some Ghanaians demanding the deportation of Nigerians from their country over alleged criminal activities.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, condemned the blanket profiling of Nigerians as criminals, stressing that such generalizations are unfair and harmful to relations between both countries.
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. Those who engage in criminal acts should be fished out and face necessary sanctions, but it is wrong to condemn an entire community,” Dabiri-Erewa said.
The NIDCOM boss emphasized the longstanding ties between Ghana and Nigeria, describing the two nations as “Siamese twins” whose citizens must continue to live peacefully in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration. She also urged Nigerians living in Ghana not to react violently to the protests, saying, “I appeal for calm and advise Nigerians in Ghana not to be provoked. This matter is being addressed through diplomatic channels, and all stakeholders are working to prevent escalation.”
Dabiri-Erewa warned against the use of inciteful and inflammatory language by both Nigerians and Ghanaians, pointing out that such actions could worsen tensions. She also dismissed claims circulating on social media that Nigerians’ shops and properties were being destroyed in Ghana, saying, “There is no evidence of such incidents, and we must prevent any form of reprisal attacks.”
The statement further commended the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions for swiftly intervening to calm the situation. She disclosed that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has also been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and has taken proactive measures to manage the crisis.
The protests in Ghana, according to reports, stem from accusations that some Nigerians were involved in crimes such as cultism, kidnapping, prostitution, and fraud. Protesters had called on their government to deport Nigerians alleged to be engaged in these activities.
Dabiri-Erewa stressed that while criminal elements must be dealt with decisively, such incidents must not be allowed to tarnish the image of law-abiding Nigerians living and working legitimately in Ghana.
“Our focus must be on collaboration, not confrontation,” she added, urging both nations to strengthen diplomatic engagement to address security concerns without jeopardizing long-standing relations.
