NiDCOM, First Bank launch diaspora banking drive for Nigerians in UK

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has teamed up with First Bank Plc to roll out tailored diaspora banking services for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom.

NiDCOM announced the partnership in a statement by its spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, on Monday in Abuja.

Balogun explained that the collaboration was unveiled during the Nigeria UK Festival held at Barking Park, London. 

Despite heavy rainfall, hundreds of Nigerians attended the event, eager to take advantage of the opportunity to open accounts and access convenient financial services.

He described the initiative as “a practical demonstration of NiDCOM’s dedication to bridging service gaps for the Nigerian diaspora community.”

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, was represented at the event by the commission’s Director of Remittances and Investment, Abdulrahman Terab. 

Dabiri-Erewa said the scheme forms part of a broader effort to ensure that Nigerians abroad have seamless access to essential banking services, enabling them to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s economy.

She praised the resilience of attendees and restated NiDCOM’s commitment to fostering partnerships that advance diaspora needs and financial inclusion.

According to her, collaborations such as the one with First Bank Plc are designed to create new avenues for diaspora engagement, helping Nigerians overseas to save, invest, and remit funds more efficiently.

“This activation is not just about opening accounts. It is about strengthening trust, enhancing access, and ensuring that the Nigerian diaspora is financially equipped to thrive abroad and contribute at home,” she said.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed the commission’s pledge to promote initiatives that prioritise the interests of Nigerians in the diaspora through continuous engagement and sustainable collaborations.