Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, His Excellency Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, PhD, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to citizen-centred diplomacy, declaring that the welfare, protection, and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain a cardinal priority of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
The Ambassador made the declaration when the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Madrid hosted the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) during a high-level consultative meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration between the Mission and the Nigerian diaspora across Spain.
The engagement, held at the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, brought together officials of the Mission and leaders of the umbrella body representing Nigerians resident in various autonomous communities across Spain. The meeting provided an avenue for frank discussions on issues affecting Nigerians in the country while charting practical pathways for improving consular services, diaspora engagement, and institutional cooperation.
Leading the FNCS delegation was its President, Hon. Jackson Dame Oboh, accompanied by members of the federation’s executive committee, who commended the Embassy’s openness to dialogue and presented several concerns requiring government attention.
Among the major issues highlighted was the need to restore direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain. According to the delegation, the resumption of direct air links would facilitate trade and investment, promote tourism, ease travel for Nigerians and Spanish nationals, strengthen family ties, and expand economic and cultural exchanges between both countries.
Responding, Ambassador Ikpeazu assured the delegation that the Embassy would continue to engage relevant government agencies and strategic stakeholders in advancing initiatives that protect the interests of Nigerians in Spain while consolidating the longstanding diplomatic and economic relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain.
In a major policy announcement, Ambassador Ikpeazu disclosed that the Embassy would commence a comprehensive digitalisation of records relating to Nigerians resident in Spain. He explained that the initiative would create a modern and reliable database capable of enhancing communication with citizens, improving emergency response mechanisms, and delivering faster, more efficient, and technology-driven consular services.
The Ambassador further announced plans to introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) principles across the Embassy’s operations as part of an institutional reform agenda designed to improve efficiency, accountability, transparency, responsiveness, and service delivery.
He noted that the adoption of internationally recognised quality management standards would reposition the Mission to provide professional, transparent, and results-oriented consular services consistent with global best practices and the expectations of Nigerians in the diaspora.
Ambassador Ikpeazu also challenged leaders of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain to remain worthy ambassadors of Nigeria by promoting unity, demonstrating exemplary leadership, and projecting the country’s positive image through responsible conduct.
He urged Nigerians living in Spain to continue obeying the laws of their host country, respect its institutions, and make meaningful contributions to national development, stressing that good citizenship abroad enhances Nigeria’s international reputation and strengthens bilateral relations.
Addressing the community leaders, the Ambassador said:
“Leadership is a sacred responsibility. As representatives of the Nigerian community, you must continue to lead with integrity, selflessness, humility, and accountability. Promote unity among our people, respect the laws of your host nation, and remain committed to advancing the collective interest of Nigerians in Spain.”
The meeting ended with both the Embassy and the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain agreeing to institutionalise regular consultations and deepen collaboration on matters affecting Nigerians in the diaspora.
The renewed partnership is expected to strengthen community engagement, improve consular service delivery, and reinforce the enduring diplomatic ties between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Kingdom of Spain, while advancing the Federal Government’s vision of a responsive, inclusive, and citizen-focused foreign policy.
Source/Photo collage: Samuel Okenyi
