By Fatima Saka
ABUJA — The Federal Government has warned diplomatic missions in Abuja against bypassing established diplomatic channels, declaring that such conduct will no longer be tolerated.
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, Mr Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit.
Enikanolaiye, however, commended member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for largely adhering to established diplomatic protocols in their engagements with Nigeria.
He noted that while many foreign partners, particularly ASEAN countries, had demonstrated respect for diplomatic decorum, some embassies had developed a practice of circumventing official channels.
“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.
“We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward, bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome.”
ASEAN is a regional bloc of 10 Southeast Asian countries focused on political, economic and security cooperation. Five ASEAN member countries—Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam—currently maintain diplomatic missions in Nigeria.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He said Nigeria’s economy remained stable and open to partnerships, with ongoing reforms targeting key sectors including agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
Enikanolaiye disclosed that Nigeria had signed visa-waiver agreements for holders of diplomatic and official or service passports with about 20 countries to facilitate official engagements and ease the conduct of business.
He urged the Philippines to expedite the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria, adding that other agreements were being considered to further strengthen bilateral relations.
The minister also welcomed the construction of a permanent Philippine embassy in Abuja, describing it as a strong demonstration of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.
He noted that both countries were marking 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026 and were looking forward to exchanges of visits at the highest and other levels.
“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,” Enikanolaiye said.
“Even at international fora, our two countries cooperate, including support for each other’s candidates; that shows the strength of our friendship.”
He said the Federal Government would pursue stronger ties through exchange programmes and the establishment of a Joint Commission, while also stressing the need for Nigerians visiting the Philippines to receive proper and dignified immigration treatment.
Earlier, Mellejor commended the long-standing friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, noting that about 9,000 Nigerian students were currently studying in the Philippines without any incidents.
He said the development reflected the cordial relations between the peoples of both countries.
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The Philippine ambassador expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation with Nigeria beyond gas to areas such as urea, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.
The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and procedures, while deepening trade, investment and cultural exchanges with ASEAN countries and other global partners.
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