FG Warns Foreign Missions Against Bypassing Diplomatic Channels
The Federal Government has warned foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria against bypassing established diplomatic channels, saying such practices could undermine mutual respect and effective bilateral relations.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja when he received the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Enikanolaiye commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), particularly the Philippines, for respecting Nigeria’s diplomatic protocols and engaging the government through the appropriate channels.
He, however, expressed concern that some diplomatic missions in Abuja had developed the practice of circumventing official procedures, stressing that the Federal Government would no longer tolerate such conduct.
“Our job is to make your work easy. I am pleased that you respect our diplomatic protocols. You did not take advantage of any of our lapses, as some have been inclined to do,” the minister said.
“We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward, bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome.”
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said Nigeria’s economy was on the right trajectory, noting that ongoing reforms were focused on key sectors including agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
Enikanolaiye disclosed that Nigeria had signed visa waiver agreements with about 20 countries for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports to facilitate official engagements and ease business activities.
He urged the Philippines to expedite the conclusion of a similar agreement with Nigeria, adding that other bilateral agreements were also being considered to deepen relations between both countries.
The minister also appreciated the Philippines for constructing a permanent embassy in Abuja, describing the development as a demonstration of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.
According to him, Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year, with both countries expected to pursue more high-level exchanges and bilateral visits.
“Our economy is on the right trajectory, and we are pleased about that as the strong foundation for the pursuit of mutually beneficial economic relations between our two countries,” he said.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria and the Philippines had continued to cooperate at international fora, including supporting each other’s candidates, describing the practice as evidence of the strength of their bilateral ties.
He added that the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic relations through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission between the two countries.
The minister also appealed to the Philippine authorities to ensure that Nigerian citizens visiting the country receive proper and dignified treatment by immigration officials.
Earlier, Ambassador Mellejor commended the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, disclosing that about 9,000 Nigerian students were currently studying in the Philippines without major incidents.
He described the development as evidence of the cordial relationship between the two countries and their peoples.
Mellejor expressed his country’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond gas to other areas, including urea production, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.
The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and established procedures, while seeking to deepen trade, investment and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries and other international partners.