Some Nigerians are still being held in Saudi jails despite completing their sentences due to outstanding financial penalties, according to the Ambassador.

Nigeria's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Yakubu Gambo, has expressed concerns about Nigerians who remain incarcerated in Saudi prisons and detention centers despite serving their sentences, due to their inability to pay outstanding fines.

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Dr Gambo made this disclosure during a visit to the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, NiDCOM, headquarters in Abuja, where he met with the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, on Thursday.

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The details of the visit were outlined in a statement by NiDCOM's Media, Public Relations and Protocol Officer, Violet Nwosu, who noted that the ambassador has prioritized the welfare of Nigerians abroad since assuming office.

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According to Nwosu, the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia has instructed Nigerian associations in the Kingdom to unify under a single umbrella organization to enhance coordination and facilitate easier engagement with the Embassy on issues affecting them.

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The ambassador stated that the mission has directed Nigerian groups to organize themselves under one umbrella body to foster unity and enable the Embassy to address diaspora issues more effectively.

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Dr Gambo highlighted the challenges faced by some Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, particularly those in detention, including individuals who have completed their prison terms but are unable to return home due to unpaid fines.

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He noted that, contrary to common perceptions, many Nigerians in Saudi Arabia have established successful careers and businesses, with Nigerian professionals such as doctors, engineers, and teachers making positive contributions to the country.

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Nigeria's Consul General in Jeddah, Ambassador Muazam I.J. Nayaya, identified consular services as a major challenge confronting the Nigerian Mission, with dozens of emergency travel certificates issued daily to Nigerians in detention centers seeking to return to Nigeria.

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Ambassador Nayaya commended NiDCOM for its interventions in resolving cases involving Nigerians in Saudi Arabia, including the case of Nigerian national Suleiman Alufa.

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Responding to the delegation, Abike Dabiri-Erewa assured that NiDCOM would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Mission to improve the welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia and strengthen engagement with the diaspora.

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Dabiri-Erewa welcomed the move to unite Nigerian associations in Saudi Arabia, describing it as a crucial step towards improving communication and addressing challenges affecting Nigerians.

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She noted that the positive contributions of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia often go unreported, and emphasized the need to start recognizing and celebrating their achievements.

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Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians living in Saudi Arabia to register on the NiDCOM Diaspora Data Mapping Portal to help the government improve planning and engagement with citizens abroad.

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She also called for increased support for Nigerian diplomatic missions as they handle growing consular responsibilities, and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting the interests and welfare of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia.

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The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the contribution of Nigerians in Saudi Arabia to Nigeria's national development, while protecting their interests and welfare.