The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Eswatini chapter has cautioned the global body, NIDO Worldwide, over its recent statement on audit observations concerning the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
In a statement dated September 20, 2026, and jointly signed by its President, Pastor Odeyemi Z. A., Secretary, Hon. Edet Charles, and BOT Chairman, Dr. Adesola A. Olayinka, the chapter said while it recognises the importance of transparency and accountability in the management of public resources, the matter should be left to the appropriate constitutional institutions.
The chapter noted that the issues raised by the Auditor-General deserve proper examination, but agreed with NIDO Worldwide that an audit observation should not be automatically treated as a finding of criminal liability or personal wrongdoing.
*Allow Statutory Institutions To Do Their Work*
According to NIDO Eswatini, the matters raised in the Auditor-General's report are already within the remit of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant committees of the National Assembly.
It added that NIDO Worldwide itself acknowledged that NiDCOM has indicated that relevant documents are available and will be provided when formally requested.
The chapter therefore said the statutory institutions should be allowed to complete their work and reach conclusions based on documentary evidence.
*NIDO Should Focus On Core Advocacy*
NIDO Eswatini stressed that the principal strength of NIDO lies in advocacy for Nigerians in the diaspora.
It listed areas requiring sustained advocacy to include consular services, diaspora voting, investment protection, welfare and repatriation, immigration and documentation, recognition of diaspora expertise, and participation of Nigerians abroad in national development.
The chapter noted that NIDO Worldwide itself highlighted some of these issues, including diaspora voting and the establishment of Diaspora Desks in Nigerian missions abroad.
It urged the global body to remain focused on these core mandates while allowing institutions responsible for auditing and legislative oversight to perform their statutory functions.
*Maintain Political Neutrality*
The chapter also warned NIDO structures at all levels to be cautious in how public institutional matters are addressed, especially as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.
It noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has already commenced preparations and the election timetable is in operation.
"This does not mean NIDO should remain silent on matters of public accountability, but NIDO should be careful that legitimate advocacy is not inadvertently perceived as participation in political contests or disputes," the statement said.
The chapter said NIDO is a diaspora body representing Nigerians with diverse political affiliations, and its credibility depends on its ability to engage successive administrations constructively, irrespective of party or personalities.
"NIDO should advocate strongly, but advocate carefully, and should not allow legitimate diaspora advocacy to become entangled with political narratives, particularly during an increasingly active electoral period," it added.
*Accountability Must Be Consistent*
NIDO Eswatini said the principle of transparency should apply across the board.
"If NIDO Worldwide is calling for transparency and accountability from public institutions, it is equally important for NIDO itself to demonstrate a high standard of financial transparency to its members and stakeholders," the chapter said.
It therefore encouraged NIDO Worldwide to present and publish its own audited financial report and other relevant financial information that members are entitled to receive under its governing constitution.
The chapter clarified that the call was not an accusation against the global body, but an opportunity for NIDO to show that the standards it demands from public institutions are standards it also upholds.
"Accountability is strongest when applied consistently," it said.
*Seven Recommendations*
NIDO Eswatini made seven recommendations:
1. NiDCOM should provide all documents and explanations formally requested by the Auditor-General and the National Assembly.
2. The Auditor-General and relevant National Assembly committees should complete their constitutional responsibilities independently and based on available evidence.
3. NIDO Worldwide should allow appropriate government institutions to handle the audit process while continuing its legitimate advocacy for Nigerians in the diaspora.
4. NIDO Worldwide and all NIDO structures should maintain political neutrality and avoid actions or communications that could be interpreted as taking sides in political contests.
5. NIDO Worldwide should strengthen its advocacy around issues that directly affect Nigerians in the diaspora, rather than being drawn into institutional disputes already before competent authorities.
6. NIDO Worldwide should present its own audited financial report to its members and stakeholders.
7. All NIDO structures should promote constructive engagement rather than confrontation, particularly where government institutions have established constitutional mechanisms for addressing such issues.
In conclusion, the chapter said accountability and institutional cooperation are not mutually exclusive.
"Stakeholders can demand transparency while respecting due process, ask questions without prejudging answers, advocate for Nigerians in the diaspora without becoming participants in political contests, and expect accountability from public institutions while demonstrating accountability within its own organisation," it said.
It added that the current situation provides an opportunity for all parties to demonstrate maturity and institutional responsibility.
"Let the relevant government institutions do their work, let the evidence speak, let due process determine the outcome, and let NIDO remain focused on what it exists to do — advocating for, connecting and advancing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora," the statement said.
