Diaspora Investment Scheme: Optiva Capital failed to follow due process —NiDCOM insists

…Says regulations in place to protect Nigerians in Diaspora

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has insisted that Optival Capital failed to follow due process in its proposed Diaspora Investor Direct Investment (DIDI) product.

Optiva Capital Partners Limited had through the law firm of Babalakin & Co demanded an apology and retraction of a press statement by NiDCOM.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM by the law firm of Babalakin & Co., signed by Oyetola Oshobi (SAN), on behalf of Optiva Capital Partners, titled, ‘Complaint about the Defamatory Publication Made Against Optiva Capital Partners Limited By NiDCOM.’

According to Optiva Capital Partners’ lawyers, “We hereby state unequivocally that the allegations and imputation against our client in the referenced press statement are false and unjustified.

“If NiDCOM had conducted basic research and investigation on the allegations, it would not have published same on its verified official ‘X’ handle (@nidcom_gov) with over 68,500 followers (which broadcast has acquired about 3000 views on X as at 2:00pm on Wednesday 24th January 2024 ).”

The firm stated that the “publication continues to have a severe adverse effect on our client’s business, reputation and goodwill. Our client’s business operates and thrives on the trust reposed by its clients, customers, partners, stakeholders and members of the public. The said tweet is not only defamatory of our client but also extremely defamatory of its identified directors in their personal capacities.”

However, NiDCOM  responded in a press statement that: “Optiva Capital Partners Limited through its Managing Director/CEO, Dr Jane Kimemia wrote the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa (OON) on January 24, 2024 admitting that they had not properly followed laid down procedure  in their earlier rushed announcement while also sending emissaries to NIDCOM seeking for partnership and understanding of its proposed Diaspora Investor Direct Investment (DIDI) product which it admitted , is still in the planning stage.”

Attaching a letter to evidence their claim, NiDCOM further reiterated that it had the responsibility to protect the interests of hardworking and committed Nigerians abroad, willing to invest at home noting that it will not bow to any form of threat, blackmail and intimidation.