L-R, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa receiving H.E Dr. Yakubu Gambo, Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Saudi Arabia recently at NiDCOM Headquarters, Abuja. Photo: NiDCOM

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Yakubu Gambo, has raised concerns over Nigerians who remain in prisons and detention centres in the Kingdom despite completing their jail terms because they are unable to pay outstanding fines.

Gambo disclosed this on Thursday when he visited the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocol Officer, Violet Nwosu.

Nwosu said the ambassador noted that the welfare of Nigerians abroad had remained a priority since he assumed office.

He said the Nigerian Mission had also directed Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia to unite under a single umbrella to improve coordination and make it easier for the Embassy to engage with the diaspora on issues affecting them.

“The mission has directed the various Nigerian groups to organise themselves under one umbrella body to foster unity and enable the Embassy to engage meaningfully and effectively in addressing any diaspora issue,” he said.

Gambo, however, highlighted the difficulties confronting some Nigerians in the Kingdom, particularly those in detention.

“We are also confronted with challenges involving Nigerians in prisons and detention centres, including those who have completed their jail terms but are unable to return home because of outstanding fines,” he added.

The ambassador noted that contrary to perceptions that Nigerians in Saudi Arabia were predominantly associated with criminal cases, the Kingdom is also home to many Nigerians who have built successful careers and businesses.

He said Nigerian doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans and traders, as well as families that have lived in Saudi Arabia for decades, contribute positively to the country.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, identified consular services as one of the major challenges confronting the Nigerian Mission.

Nayaya disclosed that officials issue dozens of emergency travel certificates daily to Nigerians in detention centres who are seeking to return to the country.

He commended NiDCOM for its interventions in resolving the case of Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa and other matters involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.

Responding, Dabiri-Erewa assured the delegation that NiDCOM would continue working with the Nigerian Mission to improve the welfare of Nigerians in the Kingdom and strengthen engagement with the diaspora.

She also welcomed the move to unite Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia, describing it as an important step towards improving communication and addressing challenges affecting Nigerians.

Dabiri-Erewa said the positive contributions of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia often receive less attention than cases involving crime or other difficulties.

“We only hear about the bad cases; we don’t hear about Nigerians excelling in Saudi Arabia. Now is the time to start celebrating them,” she said.

The NiDCOM chief urged Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia to register on the commission’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to help the government improve planning and engagement with citizens abroad.

She also called for greater support for Nigerian diplomatic missions as they handle growing consular responsibilities.

The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia while strengthening their contribution to Nigeria’s national development.