NiDCOM Honours 32 Outstanding Nigerians Abroad at 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has honoured 32 outstanding Nigerians living abroad, organisations and distinguished individuals at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards for their exceptional contributions to national development and achievements across various sectors globally.

The awards ceremony, held in Abuja as part of the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration, attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and Nigerians in the diaspora to celebrate excellence, patriotism and service to the nation.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Commission, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Yakubu Bassi, said the National Diaspora Merit Awards were established to recognise Nigerians in the diaspora who have distinguished themselves professionally while projecting a positive image of the country on the global stage.

According to him, this year’s recipients were honoured for outstanding contributions in medicine and healthcare, leadership development, education, science and technology, agriculture, entrepreneurship, finance, engineering, economics, philanthropy, politics, media and entertainment, oil and gas, sports, and information and communication technology.

Bassi congratulated the awardees, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Nigeria whose achievements reflect the resilience, innovation and excellence of Nigerians worldwide.

He urged them to continue excelling in their respective countries of residence while contributing their expertise, knowledge and resources to Nigeria’s development.

He also encouraged other Nigerians in the diaspora to emulate the award recipients, stressing that the country’s development depends largely on the commitment of its citizens.

Emphasising the importance of diaspora engagement, Bassi noted that Nigeria’s transformation would be driven by Nigerians themselves and called on citizens abroad to remain actively involved in national development through investments, skills transfer and knowledge sharing.

Representing the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, described Nigerians in the diaspora as a vital force in the country’s growth and stability.

She commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and the Commission for consistently recognising the achievements and contributions of Nigerians abroad.

She also congratulated the recipients, praising their patriotism, selflessness and commitment to national development, particularly their support for efforts to restore and strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system, which was the focus of the 2026 National Diaspora Day.

Among those recognised were several diaspora medical associations for their contributions to the Diaspora Health Initiative. They included the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF), Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), Nigerian Association of Medical Doctors Australia, Nigerian Doctors Forum–South Africa (NDF-SA), Nigerian Medical Association Germany (NMA-G), and DOWA.

The ceremony also featured posthumous honours for Prof. Bola Awotedu, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani and Ms. Oghenetega Claire Inoni in recognition of their enduring contributions to national development.

Distinguished Service Awards were presented to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Hadiza Bala Usman; Mr. Haruna Kuje Anzaku; Mr. Lawal Akibu; Dr. Yakubu Gana; and Prof. Is-haq Oloyede for their exemplary service and contributions to nation-building.

NiDCOM said the awards reaffirm its commitment to celebrating excellence, promoting patriotism and strengthening partnerships with Nigerians in the diaspora whose investments, innovations, humanitarian efforts and expertise continue to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.