The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has held her first formal diplomatic briefing with members of the Diplomatic Corps since assuming office, assuring envoys that the Ministry remains their diplomatic home and pledging a foreign policy anchored on Nigeria’s national interest.
The briefing took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, with Heads of Diplomatic and Consular Missions, representatives of International Organizations and members of the press in attendance.
“This occasion holds special significance for me as it is my first formal briefing with the Diplomatic Corps since assuming office as Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, appreciating the goodwill extended to her during her tenure as Minister of State.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the foreign policy direction of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains anchored on the Four Ds: Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora.
She explained that Demography seeks to harness Nigeria’s youthful population through education, technology and entrepreneurship; Development places economic diplomacy at the centre; Democracy reflects commitment to constitutional governance; while Diaspora recognises Nigerians abroad as partners in investment and knowledge transfer.
“These pillars place Nigeria and Nigerians at the center of our foreign policy. We remain committed to our neighbours, ECOWAS and Africa, while engaging constructively with the wider world. Our approach is therefore Nigeria centered, Africa conscious and globally engaged,” she stated.
The Minister stressed that Nigeria will exercise strategic autonomy in its international relations, guided by national interest, mutual respect, reciprocity and international obligations.
“Strategic autonomy does not mean isolation; it means preserving Nigeria’s sovereign right to determine the relationships and positions that best serve our people,” she said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended missions for strengthening bilateral ties but said goodwill must translate into concrete outcomes.
She announced renewed attention to outstanding Joint Commissions and Bi-national Commissions that have remained inactive due to administrative challenges.
“Ultimately, the strength of our diplomatic relationships should be measured not only by the warmth of our engagements, but by the tangible benefits they produce for our respective peoples,” she noted.
The Minister reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains the official channel of communication between Diplomatic Missions and the Federal Government, including the Presidency and MDAs.
She urged missions to route official communications through the Ministry to ensure coordination and effective follow-up, describing it as a bridge, not an obstacle, and invoking the principle of reciprocity.
On consular services, she assured prompt attention to Notes Verbales, authentication and legalisation requests, and urged missions to review visa processes for Nigerian applicants to reduce excessively long waiting periods for legitimate travelers, students and businesspersons.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged cooperation in processing Agrément for Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees and said government is working to ensure regularity in presentation of Letters of Credence.
She assured the Corps of government’s commitment to their safety under the Vienna Conventions, urging them to promptly report security concerns.
“We want you to feel safe, enjoy your assignments and ultimately leave Nigeria with positive memories,” she said, adding that the Ministry will continue to promote cultural diplomacy, including the Diplomatic Bazaar.
She reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to trade, investment and partnerships based on sovereign equality, and commitment to multilateralism within ECOWAS, AU, UN and Commonwealth, while advocating for Africa’s voice in global decision-making.
“Nigeria remains a willing, capable and strategic partner,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu said.