Foreign Affairs Minister Seeks Easier Visa Processes For Nigerians

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has called on foreign missions in Nigeria to introduce measures to ease visa difficulties faced by Nigerians.

Ojukwu made the call on Saturday, September 19, 2026, while recounting the outcome of her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja.

In a statement via her social media handle, the minister said the meeting provided an opportunity to strengthen cooperation and bilateral relations between Nigeria and other countries.

She said the session was also used to outline the foreign policy priorities of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, which she said were anchored on “demography, development, democracy and diaspora”, with strategic autonomy and national interest guiding the country’s international engagements.

Ojukwu said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was planning to revitalise inactive joint and bi-national commissions, with a focus on achieving targeted outcomes in areas including 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 at the briefing also covered the security of diplomatic missions, Nigeria’s forthcoming elections, cultural diplomacy and the need for more efficient communication.

She added that the meeting addressed challenges surrounding visa access for Nigerians, with the ministry appealing to embassies, consulates and high commissions to take steps to ease the difficulties.

Ojukwu said the engagement was also an opportunity to appreciate members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations for their support and cooperation.

The minister, who attended the meeting alongside the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, and Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, thanked participants for attending the briefing and interactive session.

“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.