By Ayorinde Oluokun
The Federal Government has commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, (ASEAN), for consistently engaging Nigeria through established diplomatic channels, describing the practice as vital to mutual respect and effective bilateral relations.
ASEAN is a regional organization of 10 Southeast Asian countries focused on political, economic and security cooperation. Five ASEAN countries currently maintain diplomatic missions in Nigeria: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam.
The commendation was given on Thursday in Abuja by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, while receiving the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, His Excellency, Mersole J. Mellejor, on a courtesy visit. This was disclosed by the minister’s media office.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye noted that while many partners, particularly within ASEAN, have upheld diplomatic decorum and proper channel of communication, some other Embassies in Abuja have developed the habit of bypassing official protocols. He warned that such undiplomatic conduct will no longer be tolerated.
“Our job is to make your work easy. I am pleased that you respect our diplomatic protocols. You did not take advantage of any of our lapses, as some have been inclined to do,” the Minister said. “We will be meeting with the Diplomatic Corps to address these concerns. Going forward. Bypassing diplomatic channels will no longer be welcome.”
The Minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening ties with The Philippines and other ASEAN countries under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He said the Nigerian economy is stable and open to partnerships, and that government reforms are focused on agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, oil and gas.
He disclosed that Nigeria has signed visa-waiver agreements for holders of diplomatic and official/service passport holders – government officials with about 20 or so countries to ease doing business. He therefore urged The Philippines to fast track the signing of such an agreement with Nigeria.
He further stressed that further agreements are also in the pipeline to cement relations between the two countries. He also expressed appreciation that The Philippines is building a permanent embassy structure in Abuja, which he described as a clear expression of confidence in Nigeria–Philippines relations.
On bilateral relations, Ambassador Enikanolaiye noted that Nigeria and The Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year. He said both countries are looking forward to exchange of visits at the highest and other levels between Nigeria and the Philippines in no distant future.
“Our economy is on the right trajectory, and we are pleased about that as the strong foundation for the pursuit of mutually beneficial economic relations between our two countries. Even at international fora, our two countries cooperate including support for each other’s candidates; that shows the strength of our friendship,” Enikanolaiye stated. He added that the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic ties through exchange programs and the convening of a Joint Commission.
The need to accord proper and dignified immigration treatment to Nigerians visiting the country was also stressed by the Minister.
Earlier, Ambassador Mellejor commended the long-standing friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines. He noted that about *9,000 Nigerian students* are currently studying in the Philippines without any incidents and described it as a testament to the cordial relations between both peoples.
The Ambassador expressed his country’s interest in expanding cooperation beyond gas to include urea, manufacturing, labour exchange, and online seminars.
The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with all diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and procedures, while strengthening trade, investment, and cultural exchanges with ASEAN and other global partners.
