By Calista Oyeoba / Posted July 30, 2025
Nigerians woke up this week to a disturbing protest by some Ghanaians against Nigerian citizens living in Ghana, alleging various unsubstantiated crimes against them, which many diplomatic analysts have labelled acts of xenophobia, capable of fracturing the ongoing regional integration efforts in West Africa, as championed by the Economic Community for West African States (ECOWAS).
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In the viral video sighted by DDNEWS, the protesters accused some Nigerians of engaging in rituals, organ harvesting, other criminal and violent activities, decrying that their behaviour does not align with the Ghanaian societal values and norms.
In a swift reaction, the Nigeria Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), on Tuesday responded to a viral video which was seen circulating online, where the Ghanaians were protesting and demanding the deportation of all Nigerians who are resident in Ghana.
The statement by the (NIDCOM) Chairman, Mrs. Abike Dabiri Erewa, condemned the generalization of Nigerians as criminals, describing it as unfair and dangerous characterization. She emphasized that it is wrong to use one brush to tar every Nigerian in Ghana.
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She said, “Nigerians are not criminals. They are good ambassadors wherever they find themselves, the bad ones should be dealt individually and not collectively condemned.
“Ghana and Nigeria are one. They are brothers and such in the spirit of ECOWAS and regional integration should continue to live in peace like brothers.”
Dabiri-Erewa also urged Nigerians in Ghana to remain calm and avoid any form of retaliation, assuring that diplomatic channels are being used to resolve the situation.
While dismissing social media claims that Nigerian-owned shops and properties were being destroyed, she said,: no such evidence exists” at the moment.
The NIDCOM Boss, applauded the She praised diplomatic efforts from both countries’ envoys and confirmed that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging with Ghanaian authorities to defuse tensions.
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NOTE: Calista is a Trainee-journalist who contributes regularly to DDNEWSONLINE.COM from the Department of Mass Communication, Ekocity Polytechnic, Lagos