"You Don’t Deserve to Head Even a Motor Garage" — Nigerian Man Slams Abike Dabiri Over Alleged Ethnic Bias, Block on Social Media

A Nigerian man identified as @Mallam_Jabeer on X (formerly Twitter) has publicly criticized Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), accusing her of ethnic bias and intolerance after allegedly being blocked by her on social media for raising concerns over the arrest of a Nigerian student in China.

In a now-viral post, Mallam Jabeer expressed his disappointment and anger, stating that his only interaction with Dabiri was to politely alert her about a Hausa student reportedly detained by authorities in China — a message he says was met not with concern or response, but a swift block.

"Dear @abikedabiri,
You’re a confirmed bigot.
You blocked me just because I politely called your attention about a Nigerian student who has been arrested by the police in China.
Is it because he’s Hausa or what?
That was the first time I have ever engaged you on this app.
With your character, you don’t deserve to be heading even a motor garage."*

The post has triggered a wave of reactions online, with some users backing Jabeer’s claims and accusing the Diaspora Commission of selective attention to cases based on ethnicity or media visibility.

Critics argue that some Nigerians in distress abroad are ignored, especially when they lack high-profile connections or come from less represented regions or ethnic groups.

“Too many Nigerians are suffering abroad and get zero help from NIDCOM. Unless your case trends or you’re from a certain background, good luck,” one user wrote.

As of the time of this report, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has not issued any official response to the allegations. Efforts to reach her team for comment have also gone unanswered.

The student’s identity and the circumstances of the arrest in China have not been independently verified, but calls are now growing louder for NIDCOM to investigate and respond transparently.

This is not the first time Dabiri-Erewa has come under fire over perceived preferential treatment or delayed responses to Nigerians in crisis abroad. While her office has facilitated the rescue and return of many stranded citizens — especially from Libya, Sudan, and the Middle East — critics say the Commission often fails to communicate clearly or equitably, leading to public distrust.

Mallam Jabeer concluded his post with a blunt rebuke of Dabiri’s leadership style, stating that her reaction to criticism proves she is unfit to manage the sensitive and critical role of overseeing the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora.

“With your character, you don’t deserve to be heading even a motor garage.”

The post continues to gain traction across platforms, prompting wider debates about transparency, responsiveness, and inclusivity within federal agencies.