Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Yakubu Gambo, has raised concerns over the plight of Nigerians who remain in Saudi prisons and detention centres despite completing their jail terms because they are unable to pay court-imposed fines.
The ambassador made the disclosure during a visit to the Chairman and 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 a key priority for the Nigerian Mission since he assumed office.
He explained that the embassy has directed all Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia to come together under a single umbrella body to improve coordination and strengthen communication between the mission and the Nigerian community.
According to Gambo, the move is expected to promote unity and make it easier for the embassy to address issues affecting Nigerians in the Kingdom.
The ambassador, however, noted that one of the major challenges confronting the mission is the growing number of Nigerians in prisons and detention facilities, particularly those who have completed their prison terms but cannot leave the country because they still owe outstanding fines.
He stressed that the situation has delayed the return of several Nigerians who are otherwise eligible to travel home.
Gambo also challenged the perception that Nigerians in Saudi Arabia are largely associated with criminal activities, saying thousands of Nigerians are contributing positively to the country’s economy and society.
He said the Kingdom is home to Nigerian doctors, engineers, teachers, artisans, traders and families who have lived there for decades, adding that many continue to build successful careers and businesses.
Also speaking during the visit, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, identified consular services as one of the biggest challenges facing the Nigerian Mission.
He revealed that embassy officials process dozens of emergency travel certificates every day for Nigerians in detention who wish to return to Nigeria after resolving their cases.
Nayaya also commended NiDCOM for its intervention in resolving the case involving Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa, as well as other matters concerning Nigerians residing in Saudi Arabia.
In her response, NiDCOM Chairman Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured the delegation that the commission would continue working closely with the Nigerian Mission to safeguard the welfare and interests of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.
She welcomed the decision to unify Nigerian associations in the Kingdom, describing it as a positive step that would improve communication and strengthen efforts to address challenges facing the diaspora.
Dabiri-Erewa also observed that the achievements of Nigerians living and working successfully in Saudi Arabia often receive little public attention compared to reports involving criminal cases.
She urged Nigerians in the Kingdom to register on NiDCOM’s Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to help the government improve planning, engagement and service delivery for citizens abroad.
She further called for increased support for Nigerian diplomatic missions as they continue to manage growing consular responsibilities.
Both the Nigerian Mission and NiDCOM reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia while encouraging stronger diaspora participation in Nigeria’s national development.
