Nigerian Missions in the U.S. Address Passport, Visa, and Diaspora Concerns 

Nigerian missions in the United States have taken a proactive step to improve relations with the diaspora community. On Sunday, the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., along with the Consulates General in New York and Atlanta, hosted a virtual town hall meeting with Nigerians across the country to address key concerns, clarify misinformation, and provide updates on consular services. 

Key Service Improvements 

Acting Ambassador of Nigeria to the U.S., Amb. Samson Itegboje, announced that: 

    New York and Atlanta now have passport printers, in addition to two in Washington, D.C. 

    This upgrade means faster passport processing, as missions no longer must travel to Washington for printing. 

However, he urged Nigerians to apply for passports, visas, and other services early rather than waiting until the last minute. 

How Nigerians in the U.S. Can Benefit 

To enjoy faster and smoother services at Nigerian missions, the diaspora is encouraged to: 

    Apply Early – Avoid last-minute applications for passports or visas. 

    Be Prepared – Arrive with all necessary documents to avoid delays. 

    Engage Respectfully – Maintain polite and professional communication with consular officers. 

    Attend Town Hall Meetings – These forums provide direct access to updates, solutions, and opportunities to voice concerns. 

    Counter False Narratives – Share positive experiences and accurate information to protect Nigeria’s image abroad. 

“While we criticise, we should endeavour to acknowledge the good works that the Nigerian missions in the U.S. are doing,” said Amb. Abubakar Jidda, Consul-General in New York. 

Building a Stronger Nigeria Abroad 

The diplomats emphasized President Bola Tinubu’s 4Ds policy — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora — which recognizes Nigerians abroad as vital to the nation’s growth. They urged constructive criticism, respect for processes, and collective responsibility in improving Nigeria’s global image. 

This virtual meeting showed that effective dialogue between Nigerian missions and the diaspora can lead to real change. By applying early, engaging constructively, and supporting positive narratives, Nigerians in the U.S. can enjoy better services while contributing to a stronger national reputation.