Dabiri-Erewa Defends Nigerians Abroad Against Negative Stereotypes

Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), has responded to recent negative portrayals of Nigerians living abroad. She emphasized that while some individuals may engage in criminal activities, their actions should not tarnish the reputation of the entire Nigerian diaspora. During an interview on ARISE NEWS, she stated, “Crime does not have federal character. If you commit a crime, you are a Nigerian. It doesn’t matter where you come from.”

Individual Accountability and Ethnic Profiling

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the importance of individual responsibility and condemned ethnic profiling, particularly in nations like Ghana where specific Nigerian communities have faced unjust scrutiny. She remarked, “One bad apple should not judge the whole bunch,” underscoring the need for a fair assessment of individuals rather than generalizations based on ethnicity.

She addressed recent tensions in Ghana, noting that NIDCOM had promptly contacted Nigerian residents to encourage calm following inflammatory comments made by a Ghanaian politician. “We told our brothers and sisters in Ghana, do not respond. By the time you are responding, you’re making the situation worse,” she explained. She commended Nigerians for maintaining their composure during this period.

In response to the politician’s comments, Dabiri-Erewa confirmed that Ghanaian authorities had taken measures against the individual involved. “The Inspector General of Police in Ghana had actually called the guy for questioning,” she stated, referring to the investigation into the politician’s prior actions.

Collaboration with Authorities and Broader Issues

Dabiri-Erewa also addressed claims that one ethnic group, particularly the Igbo, has been unfairly targeted. She praised the approach of the Ghanaian authorities, who stated that they do not wish to single out any one tribe. “Let us know them,” she quoted the Inspector General of Police. The Nigerian High Commission in Ghana is actively collaborating with local authorities to identify and prosecute those involved in criminal behavior, reinforcing the message against generalization.

Turning to issues of trafficking and migration, she cautioned that many irregular migrants are victims of manipulation rather than mere desperation. “You say desperation, but you’re paying about $1.5 million to go to that place,” she noted, emphasizing the complexities behind the motivations of such individuals. She illustrated this with a sobering example of how people are lured into modern slavery, often misled by false promises of wealth and success.

Despite these challenges, Dabiri-Erewa celebrated the resilience and achievements of the Nigerian diaspora. “Honestly, we won’t end this program… There are too many success stories,” she remarked, referring to various initiatives that showcase the positive contributions of Nigerians abroad. She mentioned the recent Diaspora Day and expressed pride in the community’s accomplishments.

“I don’t think there’s any country in the world, even the almighty America, that has the quality and capacity of Nigerians anywhere in the world,” she asserted. Programs such as the Diaspora Merit Awards and the new Home and Abroad Housing Scheme aim to recognize these contributions and provide safe investment avenues for Nigerians living abroad.

Finally, she urged the media to focus on success stories that highlight the positive impact of Nigerians globally. “The media are the ones that will give the perception that they want, but we as Nigerians need to tell ourselves that we are the best,” she concluded, advocating for a shift in narrative to celebrate the achievements of the diaspora community.