The Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) has urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, to prioritise visa reforms and the protection of Nigerians abroad as part of efforts to reposition the country’s global standing.

President of ADSC, Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, who made the call in a statement on Friday, also congratulated Ojukwu on her appointment, describing it as a strategic opportunity to reset Nigeria’s diplomatic direction.

He said the new leadership must move beyond routine engagements and focus on delivering measurable outcomes that directly impact Nigerians both at home and in the diaspora.

According to him, Nigeria’s reputation has increasingly come under strain globally, with negative perceptions affecting how citizens are treated and how businesses are received.

He said: “At this critical time in our national journey, Nigeria’s reputation must be elevated to the very centre of foreign policy. Across parts of Africa and beyond, there has been a growing pattern of negative sentiment and perception about Nigerians, sometimes expressed in ways that undermine dignity and national pride.

“This reality calls for deliberate and coordinated action. Reputation is no longer an abstract concept in global relations. It is a strategic asset that influences how citizens are treated, how businesses are received, and how a nation is positioned in the global order.

“Nigeria must therefore take ownership of its narrative and actively shape how it is perceived through structured engagement, consistent communication, and firm diplomatic presence”

He also highlighted the challenges Nigerians face in accessing visas, describing the situation as a major constraint on economic opportunities, education, and international engagement.

He decried the conditions under which Nigerians apply for visas within the country, citing long queues, poor service structures, and inadequate facilities at application centres.

The ADSC president called on the ministry to engage foreign embassies and ensure that minimum standards of dignity and service are upheld for Nigerian applicants.

He added that Nigeria must adopt a principle of reciprocity in its diplomatic relations, insisting that the respect accorded to foreign nationals in Nigeria should be extended to Nigerians abroad.

“There must be a clear principle of reciprocity in how nations engage. If Nigeria extends respect and structured processes to foreign nationals, then the same standard should be expected in return for Nigerians. This is not a confrontation. It is mutual respect, and it must be pursued with professionalism and firmness”, he added.

Oluwafemi advocated a shift towards results-driven diplomacy, where embassies actively promote trade, investment, and strategic partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to the country.

He said the expectation among Nigerians is clear — to be treated with dignity, enjoy easier global mobility, and see their country command respect on the international stage.

“Diplomacy is not just about protocol.

“It is about protection, access, and national advantage. This new leadership has the opportunity to deliver on all three,” he added