Nigerians in Saudi Prisons Over Unpaid Fines, Envoy Says

On Thursday, Dr. Yakubu Gambo, Nigeria’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, raised concerns regarding Nigerians who remain in Saudi prisons and detention centers despite having completed their jail terms, primarily due to their inability to pay outstanding fines. This statement was made during his visit to Abike Dabiri-Erewa, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

Gambo highlighted the welfare of Nigerians abroad as a priority since he took office and directed Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia to unite under a single umbrella for better coordination. He noted that while there are challenges involving Nigerians in detention, many have successfully built careers and businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, Nigeria’s Consul General in Jeddah, identified consular services as a significant challenge, mentioning that emergency travel certificates are issued daily to Nigerians in detention seeking to return home.

Dabiri-Erewa assured continued collaboration with the Nigerian Mission to improve the welfare of Nigerians in the Kingdom.