Thirty-two exceptional Nigerians in the diaspora, along with key organizations and distinguished individuals, have been honored at the 2026 National Diaspora Merit Awards in Abuja. Hosted by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) during the annual National Diaspora Day celebration, the event brought together government leaders, diplomats, and international partners to celebrate patriotism, innovation, and global excellence.

?Delivering the event overview, NiDCOM Secretary Engr. (Dr) Sule Yakubu Bassi emphasized that the awards were established to honor diaspora members who make significant professional impacts while championing a positive image for Nigeria.

Bassi commended the 2026 awardees across diverse sectors—including Healthcare, Science and Technology, Leadership, Agriculture, Finance, Engineering, Philanthropy, Media, Sports, and ICT—describing them as worthy ambassadors who exemplify Nigerian resilience and ingenuity.

Emphasizing that "no foreigner will develop Nigeria for Nigerians," he urged the diaspora community to keep channeling their expertise and resources toward driving sustainable national growth.

?Representing the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the Vice President, Hajia Nana Shettima, praised NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa for consistently celebrating the diaspora’s role in national stability.

She lauded the awardees for their selflessness, particularly highlighting their contributions toward this year's core theme: restoring and revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

?A major focus of the ceremony was honoring key diaspora medical associations under the Diaspora Health Initiative (DHII) for their critical work in Nigeria's health sector.

Recognized organizations included the Canadian Association of Nigerian Physicians and Dentists (CANPAD), Concerned Medics Foundation (CMF), Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), Nigerian Association of Medical Doctors Australia, Nigerian Doctors Forum–South Africa (NDF-SA), Nigerian Medical Association Germany (NMA-G), and DOWA.

?The event also presented posthumous awards to honor the enduring legacies of Prof. Bola Awotedu, Dr. Uzoma Nwaubani, and Ms. Oghenetega Claire Inoni.

Additionally, Distinguished Service Awards were conferred upon prominent figures for their exemplary contributions to nation-building, including the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako; Hadiza Bala Usman; Mr. Haruna Kuje Anzaku; Mr. Lawal Akibu; Dr. Yakubu Gana; and Prof. Is-haq Oloyede.

?The 2026 awards reaffirmed NiDCOM’s dedication to recognizing excellence, driving patriotism, and deepening collaborative ties with Nigerians worldwide to advance the nation's socio-economic development.