The Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NiDO) Eswatini has urged relevant government institutions to be allowed to complete their constitutional responsibilities concerning audit observations involving the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), stressing that the issues should be determined on the basis of documentary evidence and due process.
In a statement dated September 20, 2026, and signed by its President, Pastor Odeyemi Z. A., Secretary, Hon. Edet Charles, and BOT Chairman, Dr. Adesola A. Olayinka, NiDO Eswatini said it had taken note of the recent statement issued by NiDO Worldwide concerning observations contained in the Auditor-General’s report on NiDCOM.
The organisation said it recognised the importance of transparency, accountability and proper stewardship of public resources, adding that the issues raised by the Auditor-General deserved appropriate examination and response.
However, NiDO Eswatini noted that an audit observation should not automatically be interpreted as a finding of criminal liability or personal wrongdoing, stressing the need for the appropriate constitutional and governmental institutions to establish the facts.
According to the organisation, the matters raised in the Auditor-General’s report are already within the remit of the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation and relevant committees of the National Assembly.
It therefore called on the institutions concerned to complete their statutory responsibilities independently and based on available documentary evidence.
NiDO Eswatini also urged NiDO Worldwide to remain focused primarily on its advocacy role, identifying issues such as consular services, diaspora voting, investment protection, welfare and repatriation, immigration and documentation, recognition of diaspora expertise and the participation of Nigerians abroad in national development as areas requiring sustained attention.
The organisation noted that NiDO Worldwide had itself highlighted some of these issues, including diaspora voting and the establishment of dedicated Diaspora Desks in Nigerian diplomatic missions.
NiDO Eswatini further called for political neutrality across NiDO structures, particularly as Nigeria moves towards the 2027 General Elections.
While stressing that the electoral period should not prevent NiDO from speaking on matters of public accountability, it cautioned that the organisation should ensure that its legitimate advocacy was not inadvertently perceived as participation in political contests or disputes.
“NiDO is a diaspora organisation representing Nigerians with diverse political affiliations and interests,” the statement said, adding that its credibility depended substantially on its ability to engage successive administrations and public institutions constructively, regardless of the political party or individuals involved.
The organisation also raised the issue of financial transparency within NiDO itself, saying that accountability should apply consistently across the diaspora ecosystem.
It encouraged NiDO Worldwide to make arrangements to present and, where appropriate, publish its own audited financial report, together with relevant financial information that members are entitled to receive under its governing arrangements.
NiDO Eswatini clarified that the call should not be interpreted as an accusation against NiDO Worldwide, but rather as an opportunity for the organisation to demonstrate internally the same standards of accountability it advocates for public institutions.
The organisation subsequently outlined seven areas of action, including urging NiDCOM to provide documents and explanations formally requested by the Auditor-General and the National Assembly; allowing the relevant government institutions to complete the audit process; maintaining political neutrality; strengthening diaspora-focused advocacy; and presenting its own audited financial report to members and relevant stakeholders.
It also encouraged all NiDO structures to promote constructive engagement rather than confrontation, particularly where established constitutional and statutory mechanisms exist for resolving institutional issues.
NiDO Eswatini concluded that accountability and institutional cooperation were not mutually exclusive, maintaining that stakeholders could demand transparency while respecting due process and ask questions without prejudging the answers.
“Let the relevant government institutions do their work. Let the evidence speak. Let due process determine the outcome,” the organisation said.
It added that NIDO should remain focused on its core responsibility of advocating for, connecting and advancing the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora.
