Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, recently met with Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, head of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), to discuss the status of Nigerians residing in the Kingdom. A primary concern raised by the ambassador involves citizens remaining in detention centers despite finishing their sentences, as they cannot afford mandatory fines required for their release.
To streamline communication and support, the embassy is encouraging various Nigerian interest groups in Saudi Arabia to consolidate into a single umbrella organization. This move aims to foster stronger community ties and allow the embassy to address welfare issues more efficiently. Ambassador Gambo noted that while some citizens face legal struggles, many Nigerians in the region—including doctors, engineers, and educators—are thriving and have established long-term lives in the country.
Consul General Muazam I.J. Nayaya highlighted the heavy workload regarding consular duties, noting that officials process a high volume of emergency travel certificates daily for citizens seeking repatriation. During the discussion, Dabiri-Erewa praised the effort to unify diaspora groups and advocated for greater recognition of the many successful Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia. She urged residents to utilize the NiDCOM Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to improve official communication and government support for the community.
