The Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change (NDCfC) has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive, purposeful, and sustained engagement with Nigerian diplomatic missions as part of its broader mission to strengthen the relationship between Nigerians at home and abroad and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s national transformation.
Representing the Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change, Professor Charles Orbih, on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, paid a courtesy visit to His Excellency Ambassador Lateef K. K. Are, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, at the Nigerian Mission in Washington, D.C.
Professor Orbih conveyed a message of goodwill on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change, Professor Nike Grange, welcoming Ambassador Are to Washington, D.C., and expressing the Coalition’s readiness to work constructively with the Ambassador and the Nigerian Mission in advancing issues of mutual interest to Nigerians in the United States and the homeland.
According to a statement signed by the Chairman, Professor Nike Grange, the meeting provided an important platform for an open and forward-looking discussion on the role of the Nigerian Diaspora in national development, the relationship between the Diaspora and Nigerian diplomatic institutions, and the urgent need to improve Nigeria’s image and reputation internationally.
Reframing Nigeria’s Global Image
A significant part of the discussion focused on the persistent negative perception of Nigeria in some international circles and the responsibility of Nigerians, both at home and in the Diaspora, to help tell a more complete and credible Nigerian story.
NDCfC recognizes that Nigeria’s international image cannot be transformed through government action alone. It requires the collective participation of citizens, professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, community leaders, civil society organizations, and the Nigerian Diaspora.
The Coalition, therefore, expressed its interest in exploring meaningful collaboration with the Nigerian Mission in Washington, D.C., and other relevant stakeholders to promote a more balanced representation of Nigeria, one that acknowledges the country’s challenges while also showcasing its immense human capital, entrepreneurial energy, cultural richness, intellectual contributions, and opportunities for investment and partnership. For NDCfC, changing Nigeria’s image begins with changing the narrative, but it must ultimately be supported by measurable actions and credible results.
Diaspora as a Strategic National Asset
Ambassador Are emphasized the importance of Nigerians in the United States maintaining a constructive relationship with the Embassy and its personnel. He encouraged members of the Diaspora to approach the Mission with a positive and collaborative disposition while recognizing their important role as stakeholders in Nigeria’s development.
The Ambassador underscored the enormous potential of the Nigerian Diaspora and described Nigerians abroad as important participants in the transformation of the homeland.
In illustrating the value of Diaspora engagement, Ambassador Are shared examples of how citizens of other countries, including France, actively contribute to the visibility, effectiveness, and presentation of their country’s diplomatic missions in the United States.
He also highlighted several meaningful improvements and initiatives that have already been introduced at the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., reflecting his commitment to strengthening the Mission’s effectiveness, professionalism, and public engagement.
From Criticism to Constructive Engagement
The NDCfC welcomes the Ambassador’s emphasis on partnership and believes that the relationship between the Nigerian government and its Diaspora should be built on mutual respect, open communication, accountability, and a shared commitment to national development.
The Coalition maintains that constructive engagement does not require Nigerians in the Diaspora to abandon legitimate concerns or remain silent on issues affecting the country. Rather, it provides an avenue through which concerns can be converted into dialogue, ideas into initiatives, and collective goodwill into measurable national impact.
NDCfC believes that the Nigerian Diaspora possesses significant intellectual, professional, entrepreneurial, technological, financial, and institutional resources that can contribute to Nigeria’s advancement if effectively organized and connected to national priorities.
A Symbol of Partnership
At the conclusion of the visit, the Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change presented Ambassador Are with a handcrafted NDCfC tea mug and tea box, accompanied by a letter from Professor Nike Grange.
The presentation was symbolic of the Coalition’s desire to build relationships characterized by goodwill, dialogue, mutual respect, and practical cooperation. The NDCfC appreciates Ambassador Are for receiving Professor Orbih and for the candid and constructive exchange of ideas. The Coalition looks forward to continued engagement with the Nigerian Mission in Washington, D.C., and other Nigerian diplomatic institutions as opportunities arise.
Our Commitment
The Nigeria Diaspora Coalition for Change remains firmly committed to its vision of a better, stronger, more united, prosperous, accountable, and globally respected Nigeria. We believe the Nigerian Diaspora should not be viewed simply as a source of remittances or as Nigerians who live outside the country. We are stakeholders in Nigeria’s present and partners in shaping its future.
The challenge before us is not whether Nigerians at home and abroad can make a difference. The challenge is whether we can organize our collective knowledge, resources, relationships, and goodwill toward a common national purpose. Nigeria’s story must be told by Nigerians, strengthened by Nigerians, and transformed through the collective efforts of Nigerians, at home and across the world.
NDCfC is prepared to play its part.
