The House of Representatives Chairperson Committee on Diaspora, Hon. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has urged the Nigeria’s Foreign mission and Embassies to strive to meet the needs of Nigerians abroad.
She specifically said that the foreign affairs policy reform must address the issues of improved quality representation, as the Embassy is the first point of contact between Nigerians abroad and their Government, saying that the impression being observed by Nigerians in the diaspora is a poor representation of their government.
Akande-Sadipe, while speaking in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a three-day Conference on the Review of Nigeria’s Foreign Policy, she disclosed that Nigeria’s foreign policy should address the issues in regards to services rendered to Nigeria diaspora citizens at the Foreign Mission and Embassies.
Her words, “My focus would be our Foreign Missions and Embassies and the Nigerian diaspora. Can we confidently say that we are meeting the needs of Nigerians who need our services abroad?” she asked.
“To be selected to represent Nigeria abroad is a privilege. We must not relent as the security and welfare of all Nigerians home and abroad should be a reality. Representatives need to shake off the demigod mindset and have a service mindset. An exemplary service is what we must strive for and that’s what you must give back.”
“Some of the reform issues include the following: Immigration, passport issuance is a nightmare, I have been there, I have experienced it. NIMC, National Identity registration is a nightmare, other emergency services & legal representation,” the lawmaker said.
Hon. Tolulope, who is representing Oluyole federal constituency, while reminding the audience of the case of one Sulaimon who is on death row in Saudi Arabia, the lawmaker lamented that if he had legal representation or support from the embassy the outcome of the case might have been different.
“Why are we here, we are here to proffer solution for an ailment that has long eaten into service delivery at our Missions and Embassies, not to sweep the numerous realities under the carpet but to face the issues squarely, proffer solutions and solve the issues, but there must be a commitment from all stakeholders.
“Granting the diaspora more respect by the Missions of their beloved country will further enhance their contribution to the socio-political development and economic growth of the country,’ Hon. Akande-Sadipe stated.
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