Bianca Ojukwu asks foreign missions to review visa procedures, reduce waiting times and improve communication with Nigerian applicants

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged foreign embassies, consulates and high commissions in Nigeria to review their visa application procedures and reduce prolonged waiting periods faced by Nigerian travellers.

Ojukwu made the appeal on Saturday, September 19, 2026, during her first formal briefing with members of the diplomatic corps and heads of international organisations in Abuja.

The minister said lengthy visa processing periods were creating unnecessary difficulties for Nigerians travelling abroad for legitimate purposes, including education, business, tourism, employment and family-related commitments.

She acknowledged that foreign countries have the sovereign right to establish and enforce their own immigration and visa policies. However, she appealed to diplomatic missions in Nigeria to make their procedures more efficient, transparent and responsive to applicants.

According to her, improving the visa process would help reduce uncertainty for Nigerians who require timely travel documentation and would also contribute to stronger people-to-people relations between Nigeria and other countries.

The meeting also provided an opportunity for the minister and members of the diplomatic community to discuss ways of strengthening Nigeria's bilateral and multilateral relationships.

Ojukwu identified trade, investment, financial technology, agriculture, security, education and capacity building among the areas where Nigeria seeks deeper international cooperation.

She said the Federal Government was also working to revitalise inactive joint commissions and bi-national commissions between Nigeria and its international partners.

The minister noted that such mechanisms should produce more practical outcomes rather than remain largely formal diplomatic structures.

Ojukwu further stressed the importance of effective communication between Nigeria and foreign diplomatic missions, urging diplomats to channel official communications through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She assured members of the diplomatic community that the ministry would continue to engage with foreign missions on consular matters and other issues affecting Nigerians and foreign nationals.

The minister said Nigeria's foreign policy should ultimately translate into tangible benefits for citizens, particularly in areas such as economic opportunities, investment, education, security and international mobility.

Her appeal comes amid longstanding concerns among Nigerians about visa application requirements, processing times and communication with some foreign missions operating in the country.

The minister's engagement with the diplomatic corps is part of efforts by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to strengthen dialogue with Nigeria's international partners and address issues affecting bilateral relations and Nigerians travelling abroad.