Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged foreign missions in Nigeria to ease visa difficulties faced by Nigerians.
Ojukwu made the call on Saturday, September 19, 2026, after her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja.
In a statement shared on her social media handle, she said the meeting was aimed at strengthening cooperation and bilateral relations.
She said she outlined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy priorities anchored on demography, development, democracy and diaspora, with strategic autonomy and national interest as guiding principles.
According to her, the ministry plans to revitalise inactive joint and bi-national commissions, targeting results in trade, fintech, investment, agriculture, security, capacity building and education.
“We highlighted the need for closer dialogue and the importance of routing official communications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while pledging prompt responses to diplomatic and consular requests,” she said.
The minister said discussions also covered security of diplomatic missions, forthcoming elections, cultural diplomacy and communication.
She said the issue of visa access for Nigerians was raised, with an appeal to embassies, consulates and high commissions to ease the process.
Ojukwu, who attended the meeting with Minister of State, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, and Permanent Secretary, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, thanked the diplomatic corps for their support.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains your diplomatic home and we are committed to supporting your efforts and endeavors towards a successful tour of duty,” she said.
