The Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has confirmed that efforts to reach the UK Conservative Party leader, Kemi Badenoch, have been met with silence.
Dabiri-Erewa spoke openly about this on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, emphasizing that Nigeria would never force Badenoch, or any Nigerian in the diaspora, to embrace their heritage.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM made efforts to connect with Badenoch once or twice, but there was no response from the British politician.
“It depends on whether she embraces her Nigerian identity,” Dabiri-Erewa said firmly. “We reached out to her once or twice, but there was no response. We don’t force anyone to acknowledge being Nigerian.”
Badenoch was born in London in 1980 and spent part of her childhood in Nigeria.
Though Badenoch has Nigerian roots, Dabiri-Erewa clarified that NiDCOM respects each individual’s choice regarding their heritage.
The NiDCOM leader explained that the commission is always eager to work with Nigerians abroad who openly identify with their roots.
“We are open to working with anyone who sees themselves as Nigerian,” Dabiri-Erewa continued. “But it’s not something we can force.”
Dabiri-Erewa highlighted a recent example of a Nigerian-born individual who reconnected with her heritage after facing challenges abroad.
She shared the story of a former Miss Universe Nigeria who had initially distanced herself from her Nigerian identity while in South Africa.
However, after facing struggles there, she felt a strong desire to reconnect with her homeland.
“She then identified with Nigeria, came to Nigeria, and we hosted her,” Dabiri-Erewa recalled, underscoring the strength of cultural ties.
The commission, she explained, welcomes all Nigerians in the diaspora who choose to embrace their roots.
“If the Nigerian blood is in you, you’re always a Nigerian,” she affirmed.
This sentiment, Dabiri-Erewa noted, is at the heart of NiDCOM’s mission—to support Nigerians abroad in every way possible.
While the case with Badenoch remains unresolved, the NiDCOM leader’s remarks suggest a broader message: nationality is deeply personal and cannot be forced.
Dabiri-Erewa’s statements have already stirred reactions in Nigeria and among Nigerians overseas.
Some individuals support her stance, agreeing that identifying with one’s heritage is a personal decision.
Others question whether NiDCOM should push further, especially considering Badenoch’s influence as a prominent politician of Nigerian descent.
Dabiri-Erewa’s approach, however, appears grounded in respect for personal choice and cultural pride.
NiDCOM, which she leads, has a mandate to engage Nigerians in the diaspora in ways that strengthen ties with Nigeria.
From cultural exchange programs to business collaborations, the commission seeks to involve Nigerians abroad in the nation’s development.
In this light, Dabiri-Erewa’s comments could be seen as a reminder that national pride cannot be imposed.
Dabiri-Erewa emphasized that NiDCOM is ready to connect with any Nigerian abroad who values their identity.
“Whether Kemi Badenoch chooses to identify with Nigeria is up to her,” she said in closing.
