The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged Nigerians living in Ghana to remain calm amid rising tensions following a protest by some Ghanaian citizens who called for the deportation of Nigerians over alleged criminal activities.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) issued the call for restraint after a viral video surfaced online showing Ghanaians chanting slogans and accusing some Nigerians of engaging in crime and tarnishing the image of their host country.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday, NIDCOM Chairperson, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, condemned what she described as an “unfair and dangerous generalisation” of Nigerians as criminals.
She said while a few individuals may be guilty of criminal acts, the majority of Nigerians living in Ghana are law-abiding and contribute positively to the socio-economic development of the country.
“Nigerians are not criminals,” Dabiri-Erewa stated. “They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves. The few bad ones should be identified and made to face the law without endangering the larger community.”
She emphasized the historical and diplomatic bond between Nigeria and Ghana, describing both countries as “Siamese twins” who must continue to uphold the spirit of brotherhood and regional integration under ECOWAS principles.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in Ghana not to retaliate or engage in any act of violence, assuring that the issue was already being addressed diplomatically.
She also warned against the spread of fake news, including claims that Nigerian-owned shops and properties had been destroyed in Ghana.
“There is no verified evidence of such destruction. We must avoid stoking tensions through misinformation that could lead to reprisals,” she added.
According to her, both the Nigerian and Ghanaian High Commissions are working closely to manage the situation, while the Nigerian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs is already engaging with Ghanaian authorities for a peaceful resolution.
NIDCOM also appealed to both Nigerian and Ghanaian citizens to desist from using inflammatory language online or offline, noting that such utterances could escalate the crisis.
The Commission’s statement comes on the heels of growing anxiety among Nigerians in Ghana, some of whom have reportedly gone into hiding over fears of attacks.
Ghana and Nigeria have shared a history of diplomatic highs and lows, especially concerning trade and immigration.
Dabiri-Erewa concluded by reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians in diaspora and urged community leaders to promote peace and lawful conduct.
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