FG Confirms Prof. Adedeji Badiru as 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award Recipient

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has confirmed Professor Adedeji Badiru, based in the United States, as a recipient of the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Award (NDMA), in recognition of his outstanding contributions to engineering and education.

In an official letter dated May 22, 2026, the Commission stated that the award is part of activities marking Nigeria’s annual National Diaspora Day (NDD), celebrated every July 25 to honour the achievements and contributions of Nigerians living abroad.

According to NiDCOM, the Federal Government established the National Diaspora Day to recognize and celebrate over 20 million Nigerians in the diaspora who have significantly contributed to national development. The event also serves as a platform for networking, advocacy, and engagement with Nigerians across the globe.

The Commission noted that one of its core mandates is to encourage diaspora Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to the development of the country, adding that many Nigerians abroad continue to excel in their respective fields while impacting both their host countries and Nigeria.

The National Diaspora Merit Award, NiDCOM explained, is designed to recognize exceptional Nigerians in the diaspora who have distinguished themselves in various fields and contributed to the overall growth and development of Nigeria.

“In light of the above, the Commission found you a deserving recipient of the National Diaspora Merit Award 2026 for your significant contributions in engineering/education and as a role model to other Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate,” the letter stated.

The 2026 National Diaspora Day celebrations will be held as a hybrid event. Activities are scheduled to take place on July 24 and 25, 2026, at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The main event on July 24 will commence at 3:00 p.m. (WAT), while the award ceremony is slated for 5:00 p.m. (WAT) on July 25.

Professor Badiru has also been invited to formally participate in the celebrations and is required to submit his acceptance letter, a portrait photograph, and a one-page citation ahead of the event.

NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to recognizing and celebrating Nigerians in the diaspora whose achievements continue to elevate the country’s global reputation.