The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has strongly criticized a recent protest in Ghana where demonstrators called for Nigerians to leave the country over alleged misconduct.
Responding to a viral video of the protest, NIDCOM described the demonstration as a baseless generalisation.
In a statement released Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, conveyed the reaction of NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.
Dabiri-Erewa condemned the protest, stressing that it unfairly portrays all Nigerians in Ghana in a negative light.
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves while those bad ones should be fished out to face necessary sanctions,” she said.
She called for unity between the two West African countries, highlighting the strong ties they share.
“Ghana and Nigeria are like Siamese twins. They are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.”
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians residing in Ghana to remain calm and avoid retaliation or provocations. She stressed that maintaining peace and diplomacy is key in resolving such matters.
Additionally, she refuted claims made in some online videos alleging attacks on Nigerian-owned shops.
“There is no evidence to that, and we must at all cost try to prevent any reprisal attacks.”
She also acknowledged and appreciated the efforts of both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissioners in managing the situation diplomatically.
Furthermore, she noted that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has been in touch with Ghanaian authorities and has already taken proactive steps to defuse tensions.
