First Muslim Diaspora Forum 2026 in Turkiye: NiDCOM Boss Calls for Unity and Cooperation

The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has called on Muslim diaspora communities across the world to embrace unity, coordinated action and stronger international cooperation.

She made the call while representing Nigeria at the First Muslim Diaspora Forum held in Ankara, Turkiye. The theme of the forum was “From Roots to Routes.” Ministers, heads of delegations, policymakers and representatives from more than 47 countries attended the event.

The forum was declared open by the Vice President of the Republic of Turkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz. He urged participants to promote fairness, transparency, inclusion and stronger cooperation in addressing issues affecting diaspora communities.

In her presentation titled “Unity in the Diaspora: Current Needs, Common Solutions,” Dabiri-Erewa said diaspora engagement should go beyond remittances. She listed knowledge and skills transfer, investment, innovation, humanitarian intervention, cultural exchange and stronger ties with countries of origin as key areas.

She identified public communication, humanitarian initiatives and joint action against discrimination and hate speech as areas that require more collaboration among Muslim diaspora communities and institutions.

Dabiri-Erewa highlighted NiDCOM’s work in providing accurate information to Nigerians abroad, promoting positive narratives, countering misinformation and supporting Nigerians affected by crises and vulnerable migrants.

She noted that diaspora contributions also include medical missions, educational projects, philanthropy and other development initiatives.

The NiDCOM Boss stressed that migration should not cut off citizens from their countries of origin. She said there is a need to create opportunities for the diaspora to keep contributing to national development.

She added that diaspora communities share common needs such as dignity, safety, opportunity and the freedom to practise their faith. According to her, these needs require common solutions and stronger partnerships.

On the sidelines of the forum, Dabiri-Erewa held meetings with Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Diaspora Affairs of Azerbaijan, Sayed Ahmed who heads Sudan’s diaspora organization and Zahra Zumrut, Director-General of SESRIC. The discussions focused on sharing experiences and exploring areas of cooperation in diaspora affairs and development.

Dabiri-Erewa said the focus should not be on stopping migration but on keeping the diaspora connected to the motherland and ensuring they continue to give back.

She stated that Nigeria will strengthen international cooperation on diaspora affairs and deepen relations with participating countries. Nigeria will also work with diaspora communities to harness their skills, knowledge, investment, culture and diplomatic influence for development.

The NiDCOM Chairman also had a bilateral meeting with Ahmet Alemdar, Vice President of Turkiye’s Presidency for Turks Abroad and Related Communities, YTB.

During the meeting, both sides discussed the Memorandum of Understanding between NiDCOM and YTB. They agreed on the need to turn the MoU into concrete programmes. The YTB Vice President called for the identification and implementation of specific joint projects in diaspora engagement, knowledge exchange, youth development and bilateral cooperation.

The communique from the summit, presented by programme liaison Ali Fahad, a Turkish Nigerian, stressed the need to sustain the theme and gains of the forum.