NIDCOM Rejects ₦200m Allegation, Calls it “Politically Motivated Campaign of Calumny” Against Dabiri-Erewa

● Commission says documents are intact, questions credibility of UK-based group behind claim

ABUJA — The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has dismissed allegations that it cannot account for events it organised in 2023 worth about ₦200 million, describing the claims as false and a politically motivated attack on its leadership.

In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, September 5, 2026, the Commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the allegations were being circulated online by a UK-based group and were aimed at undermining NiDCOM and its Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

Balogun said NiDCOM had taken note of the reports questioning its ability to substantiate the events and expenditures. According to him, a UK-based organisation, Global Integrity Watch, GIW, led by Comrade Abraham Taiwo Adewole, had earlier contacted the Commission over the allegations.

—“WE WILL RESPOND TO NASS, AUDITOR-GENERAL”—

The Commission said it would provide all relevant documents to the appropriate authorities when formally requested.

“NiDCOM will unequivocally answer any questions it officially receives from the Auditor-General or NASS when invited,” Balogun stated.

He added that records relating to all 2023 expenditures were intact and would be made available to the relevant National Assembly committees overseeing the Commission whenever required.

“When NIDCOM, an agency that has carried out its responsibilities diligently despite limited resources is invited by the appropriate authorities, it will provide all necessary documentation, but will certainly not succumb to social media blackmail,” the statement said.

—MAJOR 2023 PROGRAMMES LISTED—

NiDCOM listed some of the major programmes it executed in 2023, noting that it relied on sponsorship support for some of them due to limited budgetary allocation.

The events include: the Global African Diaspora Summit, which drew participants from 16 countries; National Diaspora Day; National Diaspora Merit Award; Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit; and the Badagry Door of Return. The Commission also cited several activities it organised in the diaspora.

—COMMISSION QUESTIONS GROUP BEHIND ALLEGATION—

NiDCOM also raised questions about the credibility and motive of Global Integrity Watch, the group behind the allegation.

According to the Commission, GIW was registered and launched in London on August 17, 2026, with a stated focus on targeting government ministries, departments and agencies and certain personalities for political reasons.

The Commission further alleged that the organisation’s registered activities include information technology consultancy, management of real estate on a fee or contract basis, travel agency activities and specialised cleaning services.

NiDCOM described GIW’s activities as appearing to be focused on “blackmail and witch-hunting,” and said the allegations against it were part of a wider campaign ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The Commission maintained that it remains committed to transparency and accountability, and will not be distracted from its mandate of engaging Nigerians in the Diaspora.