The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development through stronger collaboration with governments, private organisations, development partners and communities.
The organisation made the commitment at the conclusion of the 2026 Nigeria Diaspora Week, which featured strategic engagements, humanitarian activities, policy discussions and partnership-building initiatives across several states.
The programme brought together NIDO leaders from different parts of the world, including the Continental Chair for the Americas, Bukola Olaoye; Continental Chair for Europe, Harold Ogunfemi; Continental Chair for Africa, Prof. Jude Osakwe; Vice Chair, Americas, Rev. Dr Emmanuel Igwe; and NIDO Brazil President, Chika Emmanuel.
According to NIDO, the week-long programme was aimed at mobilising the skills, resources and networks of Nigerians living abroad to support national development and improve the socio-economic well-being of Nigerians.
One of the major activities was an advocacy programme on child protection and anti-trafficking in Makurdi, Benue State. NIDO worked with stakeholders to raise awareness about child trafficking and promote stronger cooperation among government agencies, community leaders, civil society groups and development partners.
In Edo State, the organisation also supported medical and educational outreach programmes for underserved communities, while encouraging Nigerians in the diaspora to take a more active role in community development.
As part of the National Diaspora Day activities in Abuja, NIDO brought together Nigerian medical professionals from different parts of the world to discuss ways of improving healthcare delivery through medical missions, professional exchanges and investment in the health sector.
The organisation also held discussions with the Nigerian Tourism Development Authority on opportunities to promote diaspora tourism, Nigeria’s cultural heritage, international destination marketing and investment in the tourism industry.
NIDO further visited the Durumi Internally Displaced Persons camp in Abuja, where humanitarian assistance was provided. Discussions were also held on sustainable initiatives in child sponsorship, education, healthcare, skills development and community empowerment.
The week also featured engagements with leaders of NIDO chapters around the world, who reviewed the organisation’s achievements and discussed ways of improving collaboration and aligning future programmes with Nigeria’s development priorities.
In Ogun State, NIDO paid a courtesy visit to the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, where former President Olusegun Obasanjo was presented with a NIDO Lifetime Achievement Award.
The award recognised his leadership, commitment to democracy and contributions to Nigeria, Africa and the Nigerian diaspora.
NIDO also engaged the Olowu of Owu Kingdom as part of efforts to strengthen partnerships with traditional institutions in education, youth empowerment, investment promotion and community development.
In Lagos, the organisation held discussions with representatives of the Consulate of Brazil on opportunities to strengthen cooperation in trade, education, culture, investment and diaspora relations.
NIDO also initiated engagements with key federal institutions, including the Ministries of Education and Health, the National Assembly, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The discussions focused on possible areas of cooperation in policy development, governance, institutional capacity building and greater participation of Nigerians in the diaspora in national affairs.
At the end of the programme, NIDO leadership assured that the organisation would continue to serve as a bridge between Nigeria and its global diaspora community.
The organisation described Nigerians living abroad as a major strategic asset to the country, citing their contributions through investment, innovation, knowledge transfer, humanitarian support and international advocacy.
NIDO said it would continue to deepen partnerships with federal and state governments, development partners, diplomatic missions, private organisations and civil society groups to implement programmes that improve the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad.
It also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), government agencies, development partners, traditional institutions, diplomatic missions, volunteers and members of the global Nigerian community for their support towards the success of the 2026 Diaspora Week.
The Organization can be reached via: secretary@nidoacontinent.org
