The Federal Government has warned foreign missions in Nigeria against bypassing established diplomatic channels, saying such conduct undermines mutual respect and effective bilateral relations.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave the warning yesterday in Abuja while receiving the Ambassador of the Philippines to Nigeria, Mersole J. Mellejor, who paid him a courtesy visit.

Enikanolaiye commended member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for consistently engaging Nigeria through recognised diplomatic channels, describing the practice as essential to maintaining cordial relations between countries.

He, however, expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency by some foreign embassies in Abuja to circumvent established procedures.

The minister said the government would engage members of the Diplomatic Corps on the issue and would no longer tolerate actions that disregard Nigeria’s diplomatic protocols.

“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,” he 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 strengthening relations with the Philippines and other ASEAN countries under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said the Nigerian economy was on the right trajectory and remained open to partnerships, noting that ongoing reforms were focused on key sectors including agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, and oil and gas.

Enikanolaiye also disclosed that Nigeria had signed visa-waiver agreements with about 20 countries for holders of diplomatic and official/service passports, aimed at facilitating official engagements and easing the conduct of government-related business.

He urged the Philippines to fast-track the signing of a similar agreement with Nigeria.

The minister said additional agreements were being developed to further strengthen bilateral relations, while expressing Nigeria’s appreciation for the construction of a permanent Philippine embassy in Abuja.

According to him, the development was a clear demonstration of the Philippines’ confidence in Nigeria and the future of relations between both countries.

Nigeria and the Philippines are marking 65 years of diplomatic relations this year, with the minister expressing optimism that the anniversary would provide an opportunity for high-level visits and deeper cooperation.

“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,” he said.

He added that Nigeria and the Philippines had also continued to cooperate at international fora, including through mutual support for each other’s candidates, describing it as evidence of the strength of their friendship.

Enikanolaiye said the Federal Government would pursue stronger diplomatic ties through exchange programmes and the convening of a Joint Commission between the two countries.

He also called for proper and dignified treatment of Nigerians visiting the Philippines, stressing the importance of ensuring that citizens were accorded appropriate treatment in line with the cordial relations between the two countries.

Earlier, Mellejor commended the longstanding friendship between Nigeria and the Philippines, noting that about 9,000 Nigerian students were currently studying in the Southeast Asian country without reported incidents.

He described the development as a testament to the cordial relations between the peoples of both countries.

The ambassador said the Philippines was interested in expanding bilateral cooperation beyond gas to areas such as urea, manufacturing, labour exchange and online seminars.

ASEAN comprises 10 Southeast Asian countries and promotes political, economic and security cooperation among its members. Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam currently maintain diplomatic missions in Nigeria.

The Federal Government reiterated its readiness to work with diplomatic missions that respect Nigeria’s laws and procedures, while pursuing stronger trade, investment and cultural ties with ASEAN countries and other international partners.