By Media360Impact Reporter, Abuja
The Federal Government has warned foreign missions in Nigeria against bypassing established diplomatic channels, stressing that all engagements with the government must follow approved diplomatic procedures.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, issued the warning on Thursday in Abuja while receiving the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, who paid him a courtesy visit.
Enikanolaiye commended countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), including the Philippines, for respecting Nigeria’s established diplomatic protocols in their engagements with the Federal Government.
He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the practice by some foreign missions in Abuja of circumventing official diplomatic procedures.
“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.
He disclosed that the Federal Government would engage members of the Diplomatic Corps on the matter, stressing that bypassing established diplomatic channels would no longer be tolerated.
Nigeria, Philippines Seek Stronger Bilateral Relations
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN member states under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said Nigeria remained open to partnerships capable of supporting economic growth, particularly in agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
Enikanolaiye also called on the Philippines to accelerate negotiations on a visa-waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.
According to him, Nigeria has already entered similar arrangements with several countries, while additional agreements are being developed to deepen bilateral cooperation.
He also welcomed plans for the construction of a permanent Philippine Embassy in Abuja, describing the development as a sign of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.
Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, with both countries expected to pursue increased high-level engagements and stronger institutional cooperation.
The minister also appealed for Nigerians travelling to the Philippines to receive appropriate and dignified treatment from immigration authorities.
9,000 Nigerians Studying in Philippines
Earlier, Ambassador Mellejor highlighted the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Philippines, describing the two countries as longstanding partners.
The ambassador disclosed that approximately 9,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the Philippines, saying their continued presence without major incidents reflects the cordial relationship between the two countries.
Mellejor expressed interest in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond the energy sector to areas including urea production, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.
He said stronger cooperation in these areas could create additional opportunities for both countries and further strengthen people-to-people relations.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working with foreign missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and diplomatic procedures, while pursuing stronger trade, investment, educational and cultural partnerships with the Philippines, ASEAN countries and other international partners.
