The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has called on Nigerians living in France to remain calm, maintain peace and obey the laws of their host country amid ongoing protests and concerns over public safety.
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, made the appeal in a statement issued on Thursday by the commission’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians in France to exercise restraint, avoid unnecessary confrontations and cooperate with lawful instructions from French authorities.
She advised members of the Nigerian community to stay away from violence, provocation and any activity that could worsen tensions or threaten public order.
The NiDCOM chief also urged Nigerians to rely on verified information from credible sources and avoid circulating rumours or unconfirmed reports, particularly on social media.
She stressed the importance of peaceful coexistence, encouraging Nigerians to respect their neighbours and other communities regardless of nationality, religion or background.
According to her, Nigerians living abroad have a responsibility to protect the country’s image by conducting themselves responsibly and respecting the laws and institutions of their host nations.
Dabiri-Erewa said Nigerians in the diaspora serve as representatives of their country and should demonstrate discipline, tolerance and respect for the rules of the societies in which they live.
She further advised Nigerians who believe their safety or rights are at risk to seek appropriate legal assistance and contact relevant emergency services or Nigerian consular authorities for help.
The commission also called on Nigerian community leaders, students, professionals, families and associations across France to encourage peaceful conduct and promote unity within their communities.
NiDCOM urged community leaders to work together to prevent tensions, share reliable safety information and encourage Nigerians to comply with lawful directives issued by French authorities.
The appeal comes amid demonstrations in France over issues including the rising cost of living, public services and working conditions. Some protests in major cities have reportedly resulted in confrontations between demonstrators and security personnel.
The unrest has raised concerns about public safety and the maintenance of law and order.
French authorities had earlier deployed 70,000 police officers nationwide ahead of protests scheduled for October 24, following violence during previous demonstrations. Officials also reported arrests and injuries connected to the unrest.
Against this backdrop, NiDCOM reiterated its call for Nigerians in France to avoid violence, follow verified safety advisories and cooperate with the country’s law enforcement agencies.
The commission maintained that peaceful behaviour, respect for local laws and cooperation among community members remain essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians living in France.
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