By Omoyeni Ojeifo
Foreign embassies in Abuja face a tighter diplomatic environment as the Federal Government cracks down on protocol breaches.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja during a courtesy visit by the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor.
Enikanolaiye commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for consistently engaging Nigeria through established diplomatic channels.
He said such diplomatic decorum was vital to maintaining mutual respect and effective bilateral relations, but noted that some other embassies in Abuja had developed the habit of bypassing official protocols.
“Our duty 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 in a statement by Raphael Eleso, Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communications, obtained by PersecondNews on Friday.
He said that the Federal Government would engage the Diplomatic Corps to address the concerns, warning that foreign missions must follow established procedures in their dealings with Nigeria.
“We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward, bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome,” he stressed.
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He stated that Nigeria’s economy was stable and open to partnerships, with government reforms focused on agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
Enikanolaiye further revealed that Nigeria had signed visa-waiver agreements for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports with about 20 countries to facilitate official travel and ease doing business.
He urged the Philippines to fast-track the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria, while noting that further agreements were also in the pipeline to strengthen bilateral relations.
The Minister expressed gratitude for the Philippines’ construction of a permanent embassy structure in Abuja, describing it as a clear expression of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.
He noted that Nigeria and the Philippines were marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year, with both countries looking forward to high-level exchanges and the convening of a Joint Commission which would enhance better opportunities for stronger economic, educational and diplomatic cooperation.
“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,” Enikanolaiye said.
Enikanolaiye added that Nigeria and the Philippines cooperate at international fora, including supporting each other’s candidates, describing this as evidence of the strength of their friendship.
The Minister also stressed the need for Nigerians visiting the Philippines to receive proper and dignified immigration treatment, adding the issue to discussions on strengthening relations between both countries.
Earlier in his remarks, Ambassador Mellejor commended the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, noting that about 9,000 Nigerian students were currently studying in the Philippines without incidents.
He maintained that the development was a testament to the cordial relations between both countries and expressed the Philippines’ interest in expanding cooperation beyond gas to areas including urea, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.