The Federal Government has advised Nigerians travelling abroad to always notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and register with Nigerian embassies or consulates in their destination countries to avoid mistreatment and ensure prompt intervention during emergencies.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, gave the advice while receiving a delegation from the Diplomatic Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DICAN), led by its Chairman, Mr. Idehai Frederick, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
Ambassador Dunoma cited a recent case involving Nigerians trapped in the Central African Republic, where some individuals, particularly on social media, attempted to malign the Ministry’s image. He stressed the need for Nigerians to alert the Nigerian missions of their presence upon arrival in foreign countries rather than waiting until they encounter trouble.
“I advise Nigerians to make it a point of duty to make their presence known to the Nigerian mission in the country they’re visiting.
This simple step can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that Nigerians receive the support they need in times of crisis,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of accurate and timely information, Ambassador Dunoma called for stronger collaboration between the Ministry and DICAN to curb the spread of disinformation and promote Nigeria’s image globally.
“We are saddled with the role of laundering the image of the country. Hence, the inevitability of a strengthened partnership between DICAN and the Ministry.
This partnership is crucial in ensuring that accurate information about Nigeria is disseminated to the public, both locally and internationally,” he added.
The Permanent Secretary also commended DICAN for organising its maiden Diplomatic and Security International Conference, which he described as a world-class event that brought together over 70 diplomats, security experts, academics, and other stakeholders to discuss global peace and security.
He noted that the conference aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy agenda Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demography emphasising its impact on Nigeria’s foreign image.
“The conference has enriched discussions on security and promoted a positive image of Nigeria. By working together, the Ministry and DICAN can help project the right narrative about Nigeria’s role in international affairs,” he stated.
In appreciation of the Ministry’s support, DICAN presented an Award of Excellence to Ambassador Dunoma. Chairman of DICAN, Mr. Idehai Frederick, praised the Permanent Secretary’s commitment to working with the media and urged for continued support to enable the association carry out its mandate effectively.
“The Permanent Secretary has shown commitment to working with DICAN, and we appreciate his efforts in promoting a positive image of Nigeria,” Mr. Idehai said.
