Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Yakubu Gambo, has raised concerns over the continued detention of some Nigerians in Saudi prisons despite completing their jail terms because they are unable to pay court-imposed fines.
The ambassador disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by NiDCOM’s Media, Public Relations and Protocol Officer, Violet Nwosu, Gambo said the welfare of Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia has remained one of his administration’s top priorities since assuming office.
He revealed that the Nigerian Mission has directed all Nigerian associations operating in the Kingdom to unite under a single umbrella body to strengthen coordination and improve engagement between the embassy and the Nigerian community.
“The mission has encouraged the various Nigerian groups to come together under one umbrella organisation to promote unity and enable more effective collaboration with the Embassy on issues affecting Nigerians in the Kingdom,” he said.
The ambassador noted that one of the major concerns confronting the mission is the plight of Nigerians in prisons and detention centres, particularly those who have completed their custodial sentences but remain incarcerated because they cannot settle outstanding fines imposed by Saudi courts.
“We are dealing with cases involving Nigerians in prisons and detention facilities, including those who have served their jail terms but cannot return home because of unpaid fines,” he stated.
Gambo stressed that the overwhelming majority of Nigerians residing in Saudi Arabia are law-abiding citizens making meaningful contributions to their host country.
According to him, Nigerians working as doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, traders and business owners have continued to distinguish themselves positively while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s economic and social development.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Consul-General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, identified increasing consular responsibilities as one of the major challenges facing the Nigerian Mission.
He disclosed that consular officials issue numerous Emergency Travel Certificates (ETCs) daily to facilitate the return of Nigerians in detention who are due for repatriation.
Nayaya commended NiDCOM for its intervention in several cases involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, including efforts that led to the resolution of the case involving Suleiman Alufa.
Responding, Dabiri-Erewa assured the delegation of NiDCOM’s continued collaboration with the Nigerian Mission to improve the welfare of Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia.
She welcomed the decision to unify Nigerian associations in the Kingdom, describing it as an important step towards strengthening communication and addressing challenges affecting members of the diaspora.
The NiDCOM boss also observed that the positive achievements of Nigerians abroad are often overshadowed by reports of criminal cases.
“We often hear about unfortunate incidents, but many Nigerians are making remarkable contributions in Saudi Arabia. It is important that we also celebrate their successes,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians residing in Saudi Arabia to register on NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal, saying the initiative would help government planning and improve engagement with citizens living abroad.
She also called for greater support for Nigerian diplomatic missions to enable them cope with increasing consular responsibilities.
Both the Nigerian Mission and NiDCOM reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia while encouraging them to continue contributing to Nigeria’s national development from abroad.
