‘Bypassing Diplomatic Channels No Longer Welcome’ — FG Warns Foreign Missions

The Federal Government has warned foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria against bypassing established diplomatic channels, saying such conduct undermines mutual respect and effective relations between countries.

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 J. Mellejor, who paid him a courtesy visit.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would no longer tolerate situations where foreign missions circumvent official procedures in their dealings with the government.

He said some diplomatic missions had developed the practice of bypassing established channels, contrasting this with the approach adopted by countries belonging to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The minister praised ASEAN countries for consistently engaging Nigeria through recognised diplomatic channels, describing the practice as essential to maintaining mutual respect and productive bilateral relations.

“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,” Enikanolaiye told the Philippine ambassador.

He added: “We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward, bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome.”

The minister’s remarks signal a stronger position by the Federal Government on how foreign missions should conduct official engagements with Nigerian authorities.

According to reports, the government intends to engage members of the Diplomatic Corps over the issue and reinforce the importance of established procedures in diplomatic relations.

The warning came against the backdrop of discussions on strengthening relations between Nigeria and the Philippines.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said Nigeria’s economy was on a positive trajectory and open to partnerships in areas including agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.

The minister also disclosed that Nigeria had signed visa-waiver agreements with about 20 countries covering holders of diplomatic and official/service passports.

He urged the Philippines to fast-track the conclusion of a similar agreement with Nigeria, saying such arrangements would facilitate official engagements and ease business relations between the two countries.

Enikanolaiye also welcomed the construction of a permanent Philippine embassy in Abuja, describing it as a demonstration of confidence in Nigeria-Philippines relations.

Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, with the two countries expected to pursue additional high-level exchanges and stronger institutional cooperation.

For his part, Ambassador Mellejor commended the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the Philippines.

He disclosed that about 9,000 Nigerian students are currently studying in the Philippines and described the development as evidence of the cordial relations between the two countries.

The Philippine envoy said his country was interested in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond the oil and gas sector.

Areas identified for possible cooperation include urea production, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.

The Federal Government also called for proper and dignified treatment of Nigerians visiting the Philippines, indicating that consular and immigration matters remain part of the broader bilateral discussions.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would pursue stronger relations through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission.

The latest development underscores Abuja’s push for closer economic and diplomatic ties with ASEAN countries while insisting that all foreign missions operating in Nigeria respect the country’s established diplomatic procedures.