In a forceful address today, Abike Dabiri‑Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), condemned what she called the “inhuman, degrading and intolerable” treatment of Nigerians residing in India.
Her remarks come amid growing reports of harassment, discrimination, and violations of rights faced by Nigerians abroad, especially in nations with large migrant populations.
Speaking from the NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja, Dabiri‑Erewa asserted that the Nigerian government cannot remain silent while its citizens abroad endure abuse.
She called on both diplomatic channels and multilateral institutions to intervene decisively. “Our compatriots deserve dignity and protection — even when they cross borders in search of opportunity,” she stated.
Harrowing Allegations Surface
Though official figures remain elusive, several advocacy groups and diaspora networks have brought forward disturbing cases: Nigerians subject to arbitrary arrests, denial of consular access, forced evictions, and physical intimidation.
Some have recounted being detained without charge, while others report being dismissed from jobs or deported without due process.
A spokesperson from one Nigerian support group in India, who asked not to be named, told media that many Nigerians live in constant fear, lacking certainty about their rights or recourse. “You walk the streets like a suspect, even when you’ve done nothing wrong,” the source shared.
Dabiri-Erewa echoed these reports, adding that NiDCOM is actively liaising with the Nigerian High Commission in New Delhi and the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to open a formal investigation into the mistreatment allegations.
From Words to Action: What NiDCOM Proposes
To address this rising crisis, Dabiri‑Erewa laid out a multi-pronged strategy:
1. Diplomatic Engagement – Push the Indian government to guarantee the rights of Nigerian nationals and ensure fair treatment under Indian law.
2. Legal Assistance & Protection – Deploy legal teams, with support from Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, to defend affected Nigerians in India’s courts.
3. Emergency Evacuation & Repatriation – For those in immediate danger or unable to stay, plans will be made for safe return to Nigeria.
4. Awareness Campaigns – Launch a media and grassroots effort to educate Nigerians about their rights abroad, especially in nations with weak protections.
5. Accountability and Sanctions – Seek international pressure and, where necessary, leverage punitive measures against officials or institutions found complicit in abuses.
Dabiri‑Erewa argued that this is not merely about image but about sovereignty and human dignity. “When a Nigerian abroad is insulted, ignored, or brutalized, it is Nigeria itself that is being disrespected,” she remarked.
Broader Context: A Pattern, Not an Isolated Case
Observers note this episode is part of a broader distressing pattern: Nigerians in diaspora reporting mistreatment in various countries across the world.
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In past years, Dabiri‑Erewa herself has publicly condemned discriminatory statements by foreign officials toward Nigerians, including a 2016 instance when a former Indian minister called for a ban on Nigerian entry.
Likewise, NiDCOM has in past times called for the media to stop criminalizing migration (popularly called “Japa”), urging balanced reportage and safeguarding the narrative around Nigerians abroad.
The cumulative effect, analysts warn, may be a chilling disincentive for Nigerians seeking opportunity abroad — yet migration remains a fact of life for many who see it as their only viable option in the face of domestic economic pressure.
