The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned Ministries, Agencies, and Drpartmemts (MDAs), as well as embassies and high commissions to be beware of phoney 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 the Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF), which claimed it had established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Balogun noted that, “The so-called forum, an arm of Labour Party, masquerading as a diaspora group , is not even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).”
According to the spokesperson, “We are aware that all registered political parties including the ruling APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, among others have diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country that work to promote and champion their party ideals.
“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the CAC will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.
“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public, MDAs, embassies, high commissions as well as states and local governments.
“We hereby advise all government agencies, at both the federal and state level, as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with NIDCOM the status of such groups as NIDCOM has a data base 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.”
