New Foreign Affairs Leadership Must Deliver Respect, Access, Global Value for Nigerians — ADSC Boss ~ Truth Reporters

 

The President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has called on Nigeria’s new foreign affairs leadership to prioritise respect, global mobility, and tangible value for citizens, describing the recent appointments as a critical opportunity to reset the country’s diplomatic direction.

Oluwafemi, an international development consultant and reputation architecture strategist, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, where he also congratulated Bianca Ojukwu on her emergence as Minister of Foreign Affairs, alongside the newly appointed Minister of State.

He said the leadership transition should go beyond routine changes and instead signal a deliberate shift toward a more strategic, results-driven foreign policy that directly impacts Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, Nigeria’s global reputation must become central to its diplomatic engagements, noting that negative perceptions of Nigerians in parts of Africa and beyond have increasingly undermined citizens’ dignity and national pride.

“Reputation is no longer abstract in global relations. It is a strategic asset that determines how citizens are treated, how businesses are received, and how a nation is positioned globally,” Oluwafemi stated.

He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take proactive steps in reshaping Nigeria’s international image through coordinated engagement, consistent communication, and stronger diplomatic presence. This, he said, should involve closer collaboration with diaspora communities, international partners, and strategic institutions.

The ADSC president also highlighted the growing challenges Nigerians face in accessing visas, describing the situation as a reflection of the country’s diplomatic strength and global influence.

He called for the pursuit of visa-free agreements, visa-on-arrival policies, and simplified entry systems with key countries, adding that where such arrangements are not immediately feasible, Nigeria should push for efficient e-visa systems and structured bilateral agreements.

“Improved mobility is not just convenience; it is a driver of economic opportunity, global integration, and national pride,” he said.

Oluwafemi further expressed concern over the treatment of Nigerians during visa application processes within the country, noting that many are subjected to harsh and undignified conditions, including long hours of waiting without adequate facilities.

He urged the Ministry to engage foreign embassies and their third-party service providers to ensure that minimum standards of organisation, service delivery, and human dignity are upheld.

“There must be a clear principle of reciprocity. If Nigeria offers structured and respectful processes to foreign nationals, the same must be extended to Nigerians,” he said.

On broader reforms, Oluwafemi emphasised the need for a transformation in diplomatic practice, urging a shift from ceremonial engagements to data-driven, results-oriented diplomacy aligned with national development priorities.

He proposed the adoption of frameworks such as Policy-as-a-Platform and Results-as-a-Service to enable the Ministry to track outcomes, measure impact, and ensure that international engagements deliver measurable benefits.

He added that Nigerian embassies must evolve into centres of opportunity that actively promote trade, investment, and strategic partnerships.

Describing the moment as a defining opportunity, Oluwafemi said expectations among Nigerians are clear.

“Citizens want to be respected, to travel with dignity, and to see their country command influence and credibility on the global stage,” he said.

He stressed that diplomacy must go beyond protocol to focus on protection, access, and national advantage, adding that the new leadership has the opportunity to set a new benchmark for Nigeria’s engagement with the global community.