We’ll Open Our Books to NASS and Auditor-General, Not Social Media Blackmail — NiDCOM Replies Critics on 200m Spending

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, has responded to critics questioning its alleged 200 million naira expenditure in 2023. The Commission said it is ready to present all records to the National Assembly and the Auditor-General of the Federation, but will not be distracted by what it described as social media blackmail.

In a statement released on Saturday, 6 September 2026 by its Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, NiDCOM said the allegations were part of a campaign of calumny against the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, ahead of the 2027 general elections.

NiDCOM insisted that claims it could not provide evidence of events funded with the 200 million naira are false.

NiDCOM will unequivocally answer any questions it officially receives from the Auditor-General or NASS when invited, the statement said.
We have all documents relating to our expenditure intact and will present them to appropriate statutory authorities whenever requested.

The Commission said it remains accountable only to legally constituted institutions and will not respond to politically motivated allegations on social media.

To defend its spending, NiDCOM listed major programs it organized in 2023. These include the Global African Diaspora Summit which had participants from 16 countries. Dabiri-Erewa was later recognized as an Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States champion. Other events listed are National Diaspora Day, National Diaspora Merit Award, Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit and the Badagry Door of Return.

The Commission noted that due to limited resources, it had to seek sponsorship support for some of these activities.

NiDCOM also commented on Global Integrity Watch, a UK-based group that raised the allegations. The Commission alleged that GIW was registered and launched in London on August 17, 2026, and accused it of targeting government agencies for political reasons.

Despite funding challenges, NiDCOM said it has carried out its mandate diligently and will continue to promote diaspora engagement, investment, and national image.

The statement comes at a time when government agencies are facing increased scrutiny over public funds. With the 2027 elections approaching, NiDCOM said it will focus on its work and will only respond to official queries from oversight bodies.