ABUJA — The Federal Government has warned foreign embassies in Nigeria against bypassing established diplomatic channels, saying such conduct undermines proper diplomatic relations and will no longer be tolerated.
The warning was issued on Thursday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, while receiving the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit in Abuja. The development was contained in a statement signed by Richard Eleso, Special Assistant, Media and Strategic Communications.
Enikanolaiye commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for consistently engaging Nigeria through established diplomatic channels, but said some other embassies in Abuja had developed a habit of bypassing official protocols.
“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 deepening 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” and open to partnerships, with government reforms focused on agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
Enikanolaiye disclosed that Nigeria had signed visa-waiver agreements for diplomatic and official/service passport holders with about 20 countries to facilitate official engagements and doing business. He urged the Philippines to fast-track the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria.
He also welcomed the construction of a permanent Philippine embassy in Abuja, describing it as a clear expression of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.
Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. Enikanolaiye said both countries were looking forward to exchanges of visits at the highest and other levels.
“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.
The minister added that Nigeria and the Philippines cooperate at international fora, including through support for each other’s candidates, describing this as evidence of the strength of their friendship.
He said the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic ties through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission. He also stressed the need for Nigerians visiting the Philippines to receive proper and dignified immigration treatment.
Earlier, Ambassador Mellejor commended the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, noting that about 9,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the Philippines without incidents.
The Philippine envoy expressed his country’s interest in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond gas to include urea, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.
ASEAN comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries focused on political, economic and security cooperation. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam currently maintain diplomatic missions in Nigeria.
The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and procedures while strengthening trade, investment and cultural exchanges with ASEAN and other global partners.
