Welcome to the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Qatar (NIDO Qatar) Chapter website. NIDO Qatar represents an association of Nigerian professionals and community associations in Doha. The organisation exists to provide an effective and unified platform for Qatar-based Nigerian diasporans to harness their talents, expertise and resources to aid in Nigeria’s economic and social development.
The website will be an interactive platform for our members and source of information and communication to our numerous stakeholders. The current executive council came into office following an election held on January 28,2022. My appreciation goes to the Caretaker Committee, Nigerians who volunteered their services, as well as the Electoral Committee for organising a landmark e-voting system. The website provides vital information about the organisation, the host country – Qatar, and our country, Nigeria. It also features a discussion forum section where members can discuss topical issues.
Now, NIDO-Qatar has begun a new phase in providing services to the Nigerian professionals resident in Qatar, building on the structures and foundation set by the previous leaders of the organisation and aiming to take the organisation to a higher pedestal. I wish to further strengthen these areas during my tenure as President of NIDO in providing service to the community to record more outstanding results.
Since our assumption in office, we have assisted some Nigerians in different areas, particularly through our Human Rights Desk at the National Human Rights Committee. Our two principal officers work on a daily basis to register and follow up on all concerns that are brought to us. The Nigerian/African service receives an average of five to 15 people a day with complaints ranging from illegal termination of employment contracts, salary deduction, intimidation at work, poor or lack of facilities, not receiving benefits to non-payment of the end of service allowances. It is our responsibility to seek legal options where necessary with the assistance of the legal department of the NHRC.
We believe that our greatest challenge as professionals working in Qatar at the moment is the quality of our image and perception of Nigerians in our host community. The Executive Council understands the enormity of this situation and its impact on the hardworking Nigerians in Qatar. This perception affects every Nigerian both in the workplace and in the community as it reflects on how our people are treated by the people we come in contact with. Reversing this trend is paramount to the current Executive Council and will involve a gradual engagement process both within and outside of the organisation. All Nigerians must be involved in the positive image-making process in order to achieve significant progress. As a sign of our involvement with Qatari society, the organisation recently entered a Strategic Partnership with the Qatar Red Crescent Society, for collaboration towards supporting the needy in our community.
Finally, I wish to thank everyone for the confidence and trust reposed in me and the Executive Council. We will continue to do our best to serve you to the best of our abilities and to uphold your trust. We urge you to remain law-abiding citizens and good ambassadors of our fatherland in Qatar.
In this spirit and dedication, I represent NIDO to you in Qatar.
Ajibade Lateef Adebowale