FG Warns Foreign Missions Against Breaching Diplomatic Protocol

The Federal Government has warned foreign missions in Nigeria against breaching established diplomatic protocols, saying it will no longer tolerate the bypassing of official channels in engagements with the country.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja when he received the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit.

Enikanolaiye commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for consistently engaging Nigeria through established diplomatic channels, describing the practice as essential to mutual respect and effective bilateral relations.

He, however, expressed concern that some other embassies in Abuja had developed the habit of circumventing official procedures.

The minister said the government would engage members of the Diplomatic Corps to address the issue, stressing that foreign missions must respect Nigeria’s diplomatic 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,” he 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 its relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Nigeria’s economy was on the right trajectory and remained open to partnerships, with government reforms focused on agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.

Enikanolaiye also 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 doing business.

He urged the Philippines to fast-track the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria.

The minister said further agreements were also in the pipeline to strengthen bilateral ties, while expressing appreciation to the Philippines for constructing a permanent embassy in Abuja.

He described the development as a clear demonstration of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.

Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year, with Enikanolaiye expressing optimism that the anniversary would be followed by high-level exchanges between the two countries.

“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.

He noted that both countries had also continued to cooperate at international fora, including supporting each other’s candidates, adding that such collaboration demonstrated the strength of their bilateral friendship.

Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic relations through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission between Nigeria and the Philippines.

He also stressed the need for Nigerians visiting the Philippines to receive proper and dignified treatment, noting that the welfare of citizens remained an important aspect of bilateral relations.

Earlier, Mellejor commended the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, saying about 9,000 Nigerian students were currently studying in the Philippines without incidents.

He described the development as evidence of the cordial relations between the peoples of the two countries.

The ambassador said the Philippines was interested in expanding cooperation with Nigeria 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 international partners.