The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has sounded a cautionary note to government Ministries, Agencies, Embassies, and High Commissions, alerting them to exercise caution regarding fraudulent diaspora groups posing with misleading political motives.
In a press statement released on Tuesday in Abuja, Abdur-Rahman Balogun the Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit of NIDCOM, mentioned the deceptive activities of the Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF), an alleged arm of the Labour Party, masquerading as an authentic diaspora group. Notably, the NDF lacks registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission, raising concerns about its legitimacy.
Abdur-Rahman emphasized the established practice of registered political parties, including the APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP, and LP, maintaining diaspora chapters and support groups. The revelation of an unregistered entity boldly proclaiming an office in Abuja to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora is deemed both fraudulent and suspicious.
The warning extends to unsuspecting members of the public, ministries, departments, agencies, embassies, high commissions, and even state and local governments. NIDCOM advises all government bodies, at both federal and state levels, along with the diplomatic community, to cross-verify with NIDCOM before engaging with purported diaspora groups, as the commission maintains a comprehensive database of registered entities.
NIDCOM further drew attention to the presence of diaspora focal persons at the state level, ready to address issues related to their diaspora. Emphasizing its exclusive mandate conferred by parliamentary act over the past four years, NIDCOM reassures the public of its commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities while collaborating with legitimate Nigerian diaspora groups, associations, and individuals.
