The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has condemned a recent protest by some Ghanaians calling for Nigerians to leave their country, describing it as unjust and inflammatory.
A video circulating on social media showed protesters accusing Nigerians of crimes including prostitution and ritual killings. But in a statement released on Tuesday via X, the commission’s Director of Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the protest was based on harmful stereotypes.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of NiDCOM, called the demonstration a “blanket outrage” that unfairly labels all Nigerians in Ghana as criminals.
“Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves, while those bad ones should be fished out to face necessary sanctions,” she said.
She reminded both countries of their historical and regional ties.
“Ghana and Nigeria are like Siamese twins. They are brothers and in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers,” she added.
Dabiri-Erewa also addressed claims that Nigerian shops in Ghana had been attacked. “There is no evidence to that, and we must at all cost try to prevent any reprisal attacks,” she clarified.
She urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain peaceful and avoid any form of provocation, noting that diplomatic efforts are already underway.
She praised both the Ghanaian and Nigerian High Commissions for their role in managing the situation and disclosed that Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs has also reached out to Ghanaian authorities and taken proactive steps to prevent escalation.
