Chibuzor Ubochi
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has clarified its position on a group parading itself as "NIDO Worldwide", declaring that the body is not duly constituted and lacks authority to speak for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, the Commission stated unequivocally that, the purported "NIDO Worldwide" currently being promoted by certain individuals is not recognized to speak for all chapters of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) across the world.
Balogun explained that NIDO was originally established as a non-political, non-governmental organisation to serve as an umbrella body for Nigerians abroad, with country and continental structures. He however noted that over the years, the organisation has been plagued by leadership disputes, factionalisation and fragmentation within some of its structures.
He added that in several countries, NIDO does not exist at all, while other credible and recognised Diaspora organisations operate effectively in those places.
According to Balogun, one Mr. Chibuzor Ubochi, who purports to be the leader of "NIDO Worldwide", is in fact a factional Chairman of one of the Continental Chapters and currently has a pending court case against him in that regard.
"Consequently, NiDCOM strongly advises the Federal Government of Nigeria, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), and Nigerian Missions abroad to exercise extreme caution and avoid falling victims to a phantom organisation calling itself 'NIDO Worldwide'," Balogun stated.
He said the Commission is concerned about the lingering crises within several NIDO structures and appealed to all factions to close ranks, put their houses in order, and work together in unity in the overall interest of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
The NiDCOM spokesman further urged all Diaspora groups to refrain from dragging NIDO into political partisanship.
He advised MDAs and Nigerian Missions abroad to always seek proper clarification and guidance from the Commission before engaging with any individual or group that claims to represent the Diaspora, stressing that the Commission maintains a register of all duly registered diaspora groups and associations.
Balogun reaffirmed that the Commission remains open and committed to working with all duly constituted Diaspora organisations and well-meaning Nigerians in the Diaspora worldwide, in line with its mandate to harness the human capital and material resources of Nigerians abroad for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
