Strengthening Diaspora Ties: NiDCOM Chairman Honoured by Mayor of Barking and Dagenham

In a significant demonstration of growing ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, the newly elected Mayor of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Councillor Princess Opeyemi Bright, hosted the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, OON, to a special town hall meeting.

The event, held in Barking and Dagenham, brought together members of the Nigerian community in the UK, community leaders, and local stakeholders. In her welcome remarks, Mayor Bright expressed her deep commitment to supporting the Nigerian diaspora and pledged to create more meaningful opportunities for Nigerians across the borough. She noted the important contributions of Nigerians to British society and affirmed her intent to facilitate stronger cultural and socioeconomic connections between both nations.

Councillor Bright, who made history as one of the few Nigerian-born women to serve as Mayor in London, represents a new wave of diverse leadership reshaping local governance in the UK. Her election is a milestone not just for Barking and Dagenham, but for the broader African and Caribbean communities across Britain.

During her address, Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the Mayor for her achievement and her commitment to inclusivity. She urged Nigerians living in the borough and across the UK to be exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria, contributing positively to their communities and upholding values of integrity, resilience, and excellence.

The NiDCOM Chairman also delivered a goodwill message on behalf of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who congratulated Mayor Bright on her election and expressed optimism about engaging with the UK’s newly elected mayors. Dr. Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the strategic importance of diaspora engagement and noted that the Nigerian government values the contributions of its citizens abroad—socially, economically, and politically.

About NiDCOM

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) was established in 2019 to engage and support Nigerians living abroad in contributing to national development. Under the leadership of Hon. Dr. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM has played a vital role in coordinating diaspora affairs, promoting investment opportunities, facilitating cultural diplomacy, and advocating for the rights and welfare of Nigerians across the globe.

As Nigeria’s global footprint continues to grow, collaborations such as this one between NiDCOM and UK local government leaders offer a promising pathway for stronger bilateral relations and deeper diaspora integration.