- NiDCOM Recognises Outstanding Nigerians Abroad at 2026 Diaspora Awards
- 32 Diaspora Nigerians Receive National Honours
- Bassi urged Nigerians abroad to remain committed to supporting national development through investment, knowledge transfer and skills acquisition
Thirty two outstanding Nigerians in the diaspora, alongside organisations and distinguished individuals, have been honoured with the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s development and global reputation.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the awards were presented during the 2026 National Diaspora Day celebration in Abuja, organised by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), with senior government officials, diplomats, development partners and Nigerians living abroad in attendance.
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Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Sule Bassi, said the awards celebrate Nigerians in the diaspora who have distinguished themselves in their various fields while projecting a positive image of the country.
According to him, this year’s recipients were recognised for outstanding achievements in medicine, education, science and technology, engineering, entrepreneurship, finance, agriculture, philanthropy, media, sports, politics and information and communication technology.
Bassi urged Nigerians abroad to remain committed to supporting national development through investment, knowledge transfer and skills acquisition.
“No foreigner will develop Nigeria for Nigerians. Our diaspora must continue to invest their skills, knowledge and resources in national development,” he said.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, described Nigerians in the diaspora as a critical force in the country’s growth and stability.
She also commended the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, for sustaining initiatives that recognise the achievements and contributions of Nigerians living abroad.
The ceremony also featured posthumous honours for Prof. Bola Awotedu, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani and Ms. Oghenetega Claire Inoni in recognition of their lasting 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, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Dr. Yakubu Gana, Haruna Kuje Anzaku and Lawal Akibu for their contributions to nation building.
Several diaspora medical associations, including the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists, the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain, the Nigerian Doctors Forum South Africa, the Nigerian Medical Association Germany, the Nigerian Association of Medical Doctors Australia, the Concerned Medics Foundation and DOWA, were also honoured for their support of the Diaspora Health Impact Initiative.
NiDCOM said the awards are part of its broader efforts to deepen engagement with Nigerians abroad and encourage greater contributions to national development through investment, innovation, humanitarian service and knowledge transfer.
