Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has called on foreign embassies, consulates and high commissions in Nigeria to review their visa processes and reduce lengthy waiting periods for Nigerian applicants. She made the appeal on Saturday, September 19, 2026, while speaking on the outcome of her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja.
The minister said prolonged visa delays create difficulties for legitimate travellers, students, businesspeople and families. While acknowledging that every country has the sovereign right to determine its own visa policies, she urged foreign missions to promote greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness in processing applications submitted by Nigerians.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the meeting also focused on strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic and bilateral relationships, including cooperation in trade, investment, fintech, agriculture, security, education and capacity building. She said the Federal Government plans to revitalise inactive joint and bi-national commissions to achieve more tangible outcomes from Nigeria’s international partnerships.
The minister further stressed the importance of effective communication between Nigeria and foreign missions, urging diplomats to route official communications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She said the ministry would continue working with diplomatic missions to address consular concerns and ensure that Nigeria’s foreign relations produce practical benefits for Nigerians.