FG Urges Foreign Missions to Adhere to Established Diplomatic Channels
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has issued a strong warning to foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria against bypassing established channels of communication, insisting that respect for diplomatic protocols remains fundamental to healthy relations between states.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the warning in Abuja while receiving the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit.
The Minister commended the Philippines and other ASEAN countries for observing Nigeria’s diplomatic procedures, contrasting their approach with what he described as the conduct of some foreign missions that have allegedly resorted to circumventing official channels.
According to him, the Federal Government is prepared to make diplomatic engagement easier for foreign missions, but expects them to reciprocate by respecting Nigeria’s protocols and institutions.
Enikanolaiye said the issue would be discussed with members of the Diplomatic Corps, stressing that the era of bypassing established diplomatic channels should come to an end.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to strengthen its relationship with the Philippines, particularly in trade, investment, manufacturing, agriculture, oil and gas and other areas of mutual interest.
The Minister disclosed that Nigeria has entered into visa-waiver arrangements with about 20 countries for diplomatic and official/service passport holders and encouraged the Philippines to accelerate discussions toward concluding a similar agreement with Nigeria.
He further welcomed the ongoing construction of a permanent Philippine Embassy in Abuja, describing the project as an indication of the Philippines’ confidence in Nigeria and the future of bilateral relations.
Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Enikanolaiye said the anniversary presents an opportunity for both countries to increase high-level visits, expand economic cooperation and strengthen institutional partnerships.
He also disclosed plans to deepen bilateral engagement through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission between Nigeria and the Philippines.
The Minister, however, called for improved treatment of Nigerians travelling to the Philippines, particularly at immigration points, urging the Philippine authorities to ensure that Nigerian visitors are treated with dignity and respect.
Responding, Ambassador Mellejor described Nigeria and the Philippines as longstanding friends and said his country was interested in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond existing areas.
He disclosed that about 9,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the Philippines, describing their peaceful presence as a positive reflection of the relationship between the two countries.
The Ambassador identified urea production, manufacturing, labour mobility and virtual seminars as some of the areas where the Philippines seeks to deepen cooperation with Nigeria.
The Federal Government said it would continue to promote constructive engagement with foreign missions while insisting that diplomatic relations must be conducted within the framework of established laws, protocols and mutual respect.
