The Chair and Chief Executive of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has been awarded an honorary doctorate degree by Smart Island University in Saudi Arabia. The award ceremony took place recently in the Kingdom, recognising her active role in supporting Nigerians living abroad and her dedication to humanitarian causes.
During the event, the University Registrar, Dr Mohammed Dhaidan Al-Mutairi, praised Dabiri-Erewa for her hard work and unwavering commitment. He said the award was in recognition of her strong efforts in helping Nigerians in the diaspora and her contribution to humanitarian matters. He also shared that nearly 90 Nigerian students are currently studying at the university.
In addition to the award, the University expressed its interest in building closer ties with Nigeria, including the potential opening of a campus there.
While accepting the honour, Dabiri-Erewa thanked the university and also appreciated the Association of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia for their continued support in promoting Nigeria’s positive image abroad. A future date will be announced for the formal award ceremony.
Following the award, Dabiri-Erewa reflected on her work at NiDCOM. Since its creation in 2019 by former President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, the Commission has taken up over 1,000 cases. These include emergencies, stranded citizens, consular issues, trafficking, and deportation matters.
NiDCOM continues to work on strengthening ties between Nigeria and its citizens overseas, encouraging diaspora investment, and supporting Nigerians abroad in meaningful ways.
