NiDCOM Honours 32 Outstanding Nigerians in Diaspora For Contributions To National Development
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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has honoured 32 outstanding Nigerians living abroad, organisations and distinguished individuals with the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to national development and achievements across various professional fields.
The awards were presented during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, which attracted government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners and Nigerians in the diaspora.
According to a statement signed by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Head, Media, Public Relations and Protocol Unit of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) on Sunday, the awards recognise Nigerians in the diaspora who have distinguished themselves globally while making meaningful contributions to the country’s development.
Presenting an overview of the awards, the Secretary to the Commission, Engr. (Dr.) Sule Yakubu Bassi, said the initiative was established to identify and celebrate Nigerians abroad whose achievements continue to project the country’s image positively on the global stage.
He said the 2026 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.
“The National Diaspora Merit Awards were established to identify, recognise and celebrate Nigerians in the diaspora who continue to make remarkable impacts in their professions and communities while projecting Nigeria positively on the global stage,” he said.
He urged the recipients to continue striving for excellence in their host countries while remaining committed to deploying their expertise, knowledge and resources towards Nigeria’s development.
Bassi also encouraged other Nigerians living abroad to emulate the award recipients, stressing that their accomplishments demonstrate the enormous potential of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Emphasising the need for sustained diaspora engagement, he noted that Nigerians must take responsibility for developing their country.
“No foreigner will develop Nigeria for Nigerians,” Bassi said, urging diaspora citizens to remain actively involved in national affairs 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 for Nigeria’s growth and stability.
She commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and her team for consistently recognising the contributions of Nigerians abroad.
She congratulated the award recipients for their patriotism, resilience and commitment to nation-building, particularly their support for efforts to restore and revitalise Nigeria’s healthcare system, which is the focus of the 2026 National Diaspora Day.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the recognition of distinguished Nigerians and organisations for outstanding contributions in engineering, education, healthcare, philanthropy, entrepreneurship, technology, finance, leadership development, arts, tourism and humanitarian service.
Several diaspora medical associations were also honoured for supporting Nigeria’s healthcare sector through the Diaspora Health Initiative (DHII).
They include 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 awards in honour of Prof. Bola Awotedu, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani and Ms. Oghenetega Claire Inoni for their enduring contributions to national development.
In addition, Distinguished Service Awards were presented to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Hadiza Bala Usman; Haruna Kuje Anzaku; Lawal Akibu; Dr. Yakubu Gana; and Prof. Is-haq Oloyede in recognition of their exemplary service and contributions to nation-building.
The commission said the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards reaffirm its commitment to celebrating excellence, promoting patriotism and strengthening partnerships with Nigerians in the diaspora whose investments, innovations and humanitarian efforts continue to support Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
