On Sunday, Nigerian diplomatic missions in the United States held a four-hour virtual town hall meeting with Nigerians across the country to address pressing concerns and dispel misinformation. The session, which extended from 7 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. (New York time), saw hundreds participate directly with officials from the Embassy in Washington, D.C. and Consulates in New York and Atlanta.
Tackling Service Delivery Challenges
Acting Ambassador Samson Itegboje announced that New York and Atlanta now each have a passport printer, while Washington D.C. operates two, ending years of dependence on the capital for printing. He noted that many Nigerians apply for passports and visas at the last minute, expecting “magic,” urging early applications to avoid delays.
Commitment to the Diaspora
Itegboje reaffirmed the government’s focus on President Bola Tinubu’s “4Ds” foreign policy, Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, emphasizing plans to leverage the diaspora’s influence to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic standing. He assured participants that no Nigerian should suffer due to avoidable service bottlenecks.
Addressing Negative Narratives
New York Consul-General Abubakar Jidda urged Nigerians abroad to avoid destructive criticism and refrain from spreading false impressions online for social media clout. “Whatever name you give your country is the name others will call it,” he said, adding that unfair portrayals damage both staff morale and Nigeria’s image.
Shared Responsibility for Solutions
Atlanta Consul-General Auwalu Namadina emphasized that fixing Nigeria is a collective duty, calling for ongoing dialogue to foster mutual understanding and lasting solutions. He pledged to address concerns related to the Atlanta Consulate personally.
Next Steps
Participants commended the missions for improved professionalism and service delivery, describing the meeting as “a masterclass in listening, correcting falsehoods, and charting solutions.” Attendees pledged to defend Nigeria’s image in the U.S., attract investment, and participate in the 2025 Independence Day Parade and Carnival in New York this October.
