FG WARNS FOREIGN EMBASSIES AGAINST BYPASSING DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The Federal Government has warned foreign embassies in Abuja against bypassing established diplomatic channels, saying such actions will no longer be tolerated.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the warning in Abuja while receiving the Philippines Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, on a courtesy visit.
Enikanolaiye said adherence to diplomatic protocols was important for maintaining smooth relations between Nigeria and foreign missions. He said the government would engage the Diplomatic Corps to address concerns and ensure proper channels are followed.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Philippines, particularly in trade, investment, agriculture, manufacturing and oil and gas.
He urged the Philippines to accelerate talks on a visa-waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders, saying it would ease official engagements and business activities between both countries.
Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations and are expected to deepen cooperation through high-level visits and a proposed Joint Commission.
Ambassador Mellejor said the Philippines was interested in expanding cooperation with Nigeria beyond gas to areas such as manufacturing, urea and labour exchange.