FG urges Nigerians travelling abroad to register with foreign missions for protection, timely support
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 countries of residence to enable quick intervention during emergencies.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, gave the charge on Tuesday 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 noted that many Nigerians neglect the crucial step of alerting Nigerian foreign missions upon arrival in foreign countries, only reaching out when faced with challenges.
He warned that such delays often limit the government’s capacity to provide swift assistance and allow space for misinformation, particularly on social media.
“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.
He referenced a recent case involving Nigerians stranded in the Central African Republic, where online misinformation wrongly accused the Ministry of abandoning citizens in distress. The situation, he explained, could have been better managed if proper communication had been established with the Nigerian mission earlier.
To combat such incidents, Ambassador Dunoma stressed the need for proactive information-sharing and a deeper working relationship with DICAN to counter disinformation and safeguard Nigeria’s image abroad.
“We are saddled with the responsibility of laundering the country’s image. This is why a stronger partnership with DICAN is crucial, especially in making sure the right narratives about Nigeria are consistently shared locally and internationally,” he stated.
According to him, timely and accurate information is essential in preempting and managing diplomatic or consular crises, and media professionals covering foreign affairs must work with the Ministry to ensure balanced reportage.
The Permanent Secretary commended DICAN for organising its maiden Diplomatic and Security International Conference, which brought together about 70 diplomats, security and intelligence experts, academics, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss global peace and safety.
He described the conference as a landmark event with the potential to make the Guinness World Records due to its scope and impact, adding that it contributed significantly to conversations around President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 4Ds foreign policy direction, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
“I thank DICAN for putting the programme together. It enriched discussions on security and promoted a positive image of Nigeria, particularly on how to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens abroad,” Ambassador Dunoma said.
He reiterated the Ministry’s willingness to collaborate with the media to build a more accurate global understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy actions and correct misleading narratives.
Chairman of DICAN, Mr. Idehai Frederick, in his remarks, praised the Ministry’s openness and described Ambassador Dunoma as a dependable partner in the quest for a better international perception of Nigeria.
He presented an Award of Excellence to the Permanent Secretary in recognition of his support for DICAN and commitment to nation-building through diplomacy and information management.
“The Permanent Secretary has shown true commitment to working with DICAN, and we appreciate his efforts in promoting a positive image of Nigeria,” Idehai said, urging for continued institutional support to enable the association deliver on its agenda-setting mandate.
The visit marks a renewed push for synergy between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and media stakeholders in ensuring the safety of Nigerians abroad, protecting the country’s international image, and confronting the challenges of fake news in diplomatic spaces.
