NIDO Eswatini Cautions NIDO Worldwide Over NiDCOM Audit Query, Urges Political Neutrality Ahead of 2027

NIDO Eswatini has reacted to the recent statement issued by NIDO Worldwide concerning audit observations relating to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM.

In a statement signed by Pastor Odeyemi Z A, President, Hon Edet Charles, Secretary, and Dr Adesola A Olayinka, BOT Chairman, dated September 20, 2026, the chapter said it recognises the importance of transparency, accountability and proper stewardship of public resources.

NIDO Eswatini noted that the issues raised by the Auditor-General deserve appropriate examination and response, adding that NIDO Worldwide itself correctly stated that an audit observation should not automatically be treated as finding of criminal liability or personal wrongdoing.

However, the chapter said there is an important question of institutional responsibility and timing.

According to NIDO Eswatini, the matters raised in the Auditor-General’s report are already within the remit of appropriate constitutional and governmental institutions, including the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant committees of the National Assembly. It added that NIDO Worldwide acknowledged that NiDCOM indicated relevant documentation is available and would be provided when formally required.

In its view, the appropriate statutory institutions should be allowed to complete their work and reach conclusions based on documentary evidence.

NIDO’s role should remain primarily advocacy

NIDO Eswatini said the principal strength of NIDO Worldwide lies in its ability to advocate for Nigerians in the diaspora.

The chapter listed issues requiring sustained advocacy to include consular services, diaspora voting, investment protection, welfare and repatriation, immigration and documentation, recognition of diaspora expertise, and meaningful participation of Nigerians abroad in national development.

It noted that NIDO Worldwide itself identified several of these issues in its recent statement, including diaspora voting and dedicated Diaspora Desks in Nigerian diplomatic missions.

The chapter therefore encouraged NIDO Worldwide to remain focused on these areas while allowing constitutional institutions responsible for public auditing and legislative oversight to perform their statutory functions.

The importance of political neutrality at this time

NIDO Eswatini said NIDO structures at every level should exercise caution in the manner public institutional matters are addressed at this time.

The chapter noted that Nigeria is already in preparation period for the 2027 General Elections, as INEC has commenced preparations and the election timetable is already in operation.

It clarified that this does not mean NIDO should remain silent on matters of public accountability, but that NIDO should be careful that legitimate advocacy is not inadvertently perceived as participation in political contests or disputes.

According to the statement, NIDO is a diaspora organisation representing Nigerians with diverse political affiliations and interests. Its credibility depends substantially on its ability to engage successive administrations and public institutions constructively, regardless of political party or individuals involved.

The chapter said NIDO should advocate strongly, but advocate carefully, and should not allow legitimate diaspora advocacy to become entangled with political narratives, particularly during an increasingly active electoral period.

Accountability should apply across the diaspora ecosystem

NIDO Eswatini said the principle of transparency should apply consistently.

The chapter stated that if NIDO Worldwide is calling for transparency and accountability from public institutions, it is equally important for NIDO itself to demonstrate a high standard of financial transparency to its members and stakeholders.

It therefore encouraged NIDO Worldwide to make arrangements to present and where appropriate publish its own audited financial report, together with relevant financial information that its members are entitled to receive under its governing arrangements.

The chapter said this should not be interpreted as an accusation against NIDO Worldwide, but an opportunity for NIDO to demonstrate that standards of accountability it advocates for public institutions are standards the organisation is also prepared to uphold within its own structures.

It added that accountability is strongest when applied consistently.

Recommendations

NIDO Eswatini therefore encouraged seven steps:

One, NiDCOM to provide all documents and explanations formally requested by the Auditor-General and the National Assembly.

Two, the Auditor-General and relevant National Assembly committees to complete their constitutional responsibilities independently and based on available evidence.

Three, NIDO Worldwide to allow appropriate government institutions to handle the audit process while continuing its legitimate advocacy for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Four, NIDO Worldwide and all NIDO structures to maintain political neutrality and avoid actions or communications that could reasonably be interpreted as taking sides in political contests.

Five, NIDO Worldwide to strengthen its advocacy around issues that directly affect Nigerians in the diaspora, rather than becoming unnecessarily drawn into institutional disputes already before competent government authorities.

Six, NIDO Worldwide to present its own audited financial report to its members and relevant stakeholders, demonstrating same commitment to transparency and accountability that it expects from others.

Seven, all NIDO structures to promote constructive engagement rather than confrontation, particularly where government institutions have established constitutional and statutory mechanisms for addressing issues concerned.

In conclusion, NIDO Eswatini said it does not believe accountability and institutional cooperation are mutually exclusive.

The chapter said stakeholders can demand transparency while respecting due process, ask questions without prejudging answers, advocate for Nigerians in the diaspora without becoming participants in political contests, and expect accountability from public institutions while demonstrating accountability within own organisation.

According to the statement, the current situation provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to demonstrate maturity and institutional responsibility, adding let the relevant government institutions do their work, let the evidence speak, let due process determine the outcome, and let NIDO remain focused on what it exists to do, advocating for, connecting and advancing interests of Nigerians in the diaspora.