Dr. Yakubu Gambo, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has expressed concerns about Nigerians who remain detained in the Kingdom’s prisons even after completing their sentences due to unpaid fines.
During his visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja, Gambo highlighted this issue.
According to a statement from NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocol Officer, Violet Nwosu, the ambassador emphasized that ensuring the welfare of Nigerians abroad has been a priority since he took office.
The Nigerian Mission has instructed Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia to unify under a single organization to enhance coordination and facilitate effective engagement with the diaspora on relevant issues.
“The mission has directed the various Nigerian groups to organize themselves under one umbrella body to promote unity and enable meaningful and effective interaction with the Embassy to address any diaspora-related issues,” he explained.
Gambo also pointed out the challenges faced by some Nigerians in the Kingdom, especially those in prison or detention centers.
“We are also dealing with difficulties related to Nigerians in prisons and detention centers, including those who have completed their terms but cannot return home due to outstanding fines,” he noted.
He stressed that many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia are not involved in crimes and have successful careers and businesses. Doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, traders, and families have had positive contributions to the Kingdom for decades.
Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, also highlighted consular services as a significant challenge for the Nigerian Mission. He mentioned that officials issue numerous emergency travel certificates daily to help Nigerians in detention seeking to return home.
Nayaya praised NiDCOM’s efforts to resolve cases such as that of Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa and other matters involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.
Dabiri-Erewa responding to these concerns assured continued collaboration between NiDCOM and the Nigerian Mission to enhance the welfare of Nigerians in the Kingdom and improve communication with the diaspora.
She welcomed the initiative to unify Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a crucial step toward better communication and problem-solving for challenges faced by Nigerians.
Dabiri-Erewa also pointed out that the positive contributions of Nigerians often get overshadowed by negative incidents. “We mostly hear about troubling cases, yet many Nigerians are excelling in Saudi Arabia. The time has come to celebrate their achievements,” she remarked.
She encouraged Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia to register on the commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal for improved governmental planning and engagement with overseas citizens. Additionally, she called for expanded support for Nigerian diplomatic missions as they handle increasing consular demands.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the interests and welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia while enhancing their contribution to Nigeria’s national progress.
