NIDO is an offshoot of the Nigerian Welfare, established in 1951by first set of Nigerians in The Gambia and this recent visit forms part of their ongoing initiatives designed to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote lawful migration practices in The Gambia.
The visit, also provides members the opportunity to engage in fruitful but frank engagement with officials describing the move as both symbolic and strategic, focusing on reinforcing cooperation between the Nigerian community and GID.
In addition, the move also demonstrates NIDO’s commitment to ensuring that Nigerians residing and doing business in The Gambia remain compliant with the country’s immigration laws and regulations.
In his introductory remarks, Great Akah Ottuduoma, president of the NIDO Gambia Chapter, first expressed appreciation to the GID senior command for the audience, further acknowledging the critical role of the Department in safeguarding national security, maintaining border integrity, and managing migration effectively.
He disclosed that he was elected on 8th December, 2024 and that in line with their constitution, he assumed office after the inaugural ceremony on 29th March, 2025.
‘‘Since then, I've been in charge of the affairs of the Nigerian community across The Gambia, working directly with the Nigerian High Commissioner in The Gambia.’’
President Ottuduoma reminded that Nigerians in Diaspora Organization is an offshoot of the Nigerian Welfare, which was founded in 1951 by the first set of Nigerians, who arrived in this country.
‘‘And as time progresses, in order to accommodate the changes, which is vital, we transformed to the Nigerian Community. From Nigerian Community, we transformed to what we now know as Nigerian in Diaspora Organization and this name came to be in reaction to our government policy when former President Goodluck Jonathan came into power, he intended to ensure that Nigerians across the world are unified, and have direct access to the government of the Federal Government of Nigeria.’’
In this regard, he noted that a unit was created that oversees the affairs of Nigerians abroad and since then, various Nigerian communities or whatever name it assumes, has transformed to Nigerian in Diaspora Organization.
To this end, he used the forum to acknowledge the role of security in national development, which featured prominently in the engagement, further assuring that NIDO continue to abide by the laws of the Gambia by maintaining zero tolerance for unlawful activity.
NIDO president also thanked the Gambia government for the significant reduction of the permit fee for Nigerians in the Gambia.
In response, Sulayman Kujabi, Commissioner of Operations GID, commend NIDO Gambia Chapter for the move, acknowledging that this is a great initiative.
He made it clear that it is not the wish of GID personnel to be running after Nigerians resident in The Gambia when it comes to enforcing permit payment, further calling on the executive to always implore on their compatriots in the country to be law abiding.
‘‘The only thing that we want from your people is to be law abiding and let them regularize their status.’’
On the issue of permit for Nigerians residing in the country, Commissioner Kujabi implored on foreign nationals in the country to be cooperative especially when approached by GID personnel during routine permit inspection.
He observed that the way some people respond to GID personnel is what often led to confrontation during such routine permit inspection, affirming that GID will continue to discharge its constitutional and statutory responsibility of managing migration and securing ‘our borders’ in line with national laws.
The GID Commissioner also talked about government’s decision to reduce annual residence permit for Nigerian resident in the country since July 2025, from D3,500 to D750.
He further acknowledged the remarkable contribution of Nigerians in the country’s socio-economic development especially in the areas of education, trade and other others.
Similar remarks were made by Regional Commissioners within Greater Banjul Area, who hailed the move as one in the right direction, further thanking NIDO executive for the foresight.
They also called for more collaboration with the organisation and greater sensitisation among the Nigerian community with regards to timely regularisation, discourage overstays, and ensure proper documentation.
