Group Condemns Mistreatment of Nigerians Overseas, Calls for Government Action

Dynamic Ambassadors for Social Transformation and Orientation Initiative, an advocacy group, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing mistreatment of Nigerians abroad, describing the situation as increasingly alarming.

The group recently visited the headquarters of the Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) in Abuja to raise awareness about the general maltreatment of Nigerian citizens abroad, with a specific focus on the prolonged detention of Nigerian cleric, Pastor Benjamin Egbaji, in Benin Republic on unsubstantiated charges.

According to reports from NIGERIA NEWS 247, Nigerians staged a protest at the Benin Republic Embassy in Abuja to voice their dissatisfaction with Pastor Egbaji’s detention. They called upon the Nigerian government to intervene in his case and address numerous incidents of xenophobic attacks against Nigerians in various countries.

Samson Eze, the media coordinator of the group, led discussions during a media chat with NiDCOM spokesman Abdur-Rahman Balogun. Eze highlighted that besides Pastor Egbaji, over 5,000 other Nigerians are currently detained in Benin Republic, which he described as an affront to both the people and government of Nigeria.

Eze emphasized the need for Nigeria to employ reciprocal measures in response to the unjust treatment of its citizens by neighboring West African countries, urging the government to assert its influence and protect Nigerians abroad.

The group also raised concerns that Pastor Benjamin Egbaji may have been targeted due to his prominence in Benin Republic, stating, “There seems to be a pervasive bias against Nigerians in the diaspora. Merely identifying oneself as Nigerian, whether in South Africa or elsewhere, often leads to unwarranted hatred and victimization.”

In response, NiDCOM spokesman Balogun assured the group that the Nigerian government has taken steps to assist Pastor Egbaji by providing additional legal representation, which he hopes will bolster his defense. He reiterated that diplomatic efforts are underway to ensure justice prevails in the detainee’s case.

Balogun urged Nigerians abroad to uphold the country’s image by adhering to the laws of their host countries, emphasizing that government intervention becomes more effective when cases involving Nigerians do not involve criminal activities or violations of local laws.