FG urges new envoys to protect Nigerians abroad

Posted by admin Latest Politics Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, has urged new ambassadors to ensure the protection of Nigerians abroad.

He said this just as he announced that the government’s policy on reciprocal diplomacy had come to stay.

Ashiru said this in an address during the induction course for 88 Ambassadors-Designate in Abuja on Monday.

According to the minister, their primary duty is the protection of Nigerians in the countries they are posted to.

He said Nigeria would not hesitate to apply the principle of reciprocity against any country that maltreats Nigerians who were either residing in or in transit.

Ashiru said, “I must emphasise that your primary duty is the protection of Nigerians in your countries of accreditation.

“As you all know there is no Nigeria without Nigerians. You must therefore adopt an open door policy to Nigerians on transit or resident in your country of assignment.

“You should encourage Nigerians to register with your missions so that we could develop a credible database of Nigerian professionals for ease of access by the government and the private sector.”

The minister added, “Encourage interaction with resident Nigerians and ensure effective consular duties including visitations to Nigerians in distress situations.

“We should demand at all times and anywhere that Nigerians at home and abroad who seek service or assistance at any embassy/mission or consulate must be treated with dignity.”

On the policy of reciprocity, he said, “As a government, we will not hesitate to apply strict reciprocity, a cardinal principle in diplomacy, in our relations with all countries especially where the interest and welfare of Nigerians are concerned.”

Ashiru observed that Nigeria could not afford to be absent from the global stage, hence its quest for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

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