The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has warned all government ministries, agencies, embassies, and high commissions to beware of fraudulent Diaspora groups who parade themselves to be authentic but have apparent sinister and political ulterior motives.

NIDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun issued this warning in a statement on Tuesday and specifically mentioned a group, Nigeria Diaspora Forum (NDF) which claimed it has established an office in Abuja for the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora.

Balogun warned the public to be wary of the so-called Forum which is an arm of the Labour Party (LP), masquerading as a diaspora group as it is not even registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).

“We are aware that all registered Political parties including the ruling party, APC, PDP, SDP, NNPP and even LP, etc have Diaspora chapters and support groups outside the country and do work to promote and champion their party ideals,” he said.

“It is equally sinister that an unregistered body with the Corporate Affairs Commission will fraudulently and boldly announce the setting up of an office to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in Diaspora in Abuja.

“This is no doubt an attempt to fraudulently hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public, ministries, departments and agencies, embassies, high commissions as well as state and local governments.

“We hereby advise all government agencies at both the federal and state levels as well as the diplomatic community to always double check with NIDCOM the status of such groups as NIDCOM has a data base of all registered Diaspora groups,” he added.

The NIDCOM spokesperson also used the opportunity to remind everyone that all the 36 states in Nigeria have Diaspora focal persons who are readily available to handle issues relating to their Diaspora.

According to him, NIDCOM is the only commission mandated by an act of the Parliament to oversee the welfare of Nigerians in the Diaspora in the last four years.

Balogun added that NIDCOM has been fulfilling its mandate and will continue to do so while also working with genuine Nigerian Diaspora groups, associations and individuals. (The Guardian)