The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has condemned a viral video showing a protest by some Ghanaians calling for Nigerians to be sent out of the country over alleged misconduct.
In a statement issued by the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Commission described the protest as disturbing and the generalisation of Nigerians as criminals as unacceptable and unjust.
“Nigerians are not criminals,” Dabiri-Erewa said. “They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. Those who commit crimes should be individually identified and sanctioned, but not at the expense of innocent citizens.”
She noted that Ghana and Nigeria share deep historical and diplomatic ties and urged that both nations should continue to live peacefully as “brothers” under the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration.
The NIDCOM boss appealed for calm and urged Nigerians in Ghana to avoid any form of provocation or violent retaliation, stressing that the matter is being handled at the diplomatic level. According to her, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, is already engaging with Ghanaian authorities to resolve the issue amicably.
Dabiri-Erewa also cautioned against the circulation of inflammatory content and unverified videos suggesting that Nigerian-owned shops and properties are being destroyed. “There is no evidence supporting these claims. We must do everything possible to avoid reprisal attacks,” she stated.
She commended the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissions for their swift responses and proactive efforts to de-escalate tensions, and reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong, peaceful relations with Ghana.
