The President of the Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC), Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, has called on Nigeria’s new Foreign Affairs leadership to prioritise national dignity, improved global mobility, and stronger international reputation for citizens.
Oluwafemi, who is also an International Development Consultant and Reputation Architecture Strategist, made the call in a statement issued on Thursday, while congratulating the new Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu, and the Minister of State.
“I extend my warm congratulations to Her Excellency Bianca Ojukwu on her appointment as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, as well as to the Honourable Minister of State,” he said.
According to him, the new leadership represents a critical opportunity to reposition Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements for measurable national benefit.
“This moment represents more than a routine transition. It is an opportunity to reset Nigeria’s diplomatic direction with clarity, intention, and measurable outcomes that directly impact the lives of Nigerians at home and abroad,” he stated.
Oluwafemi stressed that Nigeria’s international image must be treated as a strategic asset, warning that negative perceptions in some parts of the world are affecting how citizens are treated abroad.
“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,” he said.
He added that reputation management should no longer be treated as symbolic, but as a key diplomatic function.
“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,” he noted.
The ADSC boss further urged the ministry to work closely with diaspora communities and international partners to reshape Nigeria’s global narrative.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must lead this repositioning effort by working closely with diaspora communities, international partners, and strategic institutions to project a confident, responsible, and forward-looking image of Nigeria,” he said.
He also raised concerns over visa restrictions and mobility challenges facing Nigerians, calling for stronger diplomatic engagement to ease travel barriers.
“The difficulty many Nigerians face in accessing visas to travel for business, education, tourism, or professional engagement is a matter that requires strong diplomatic attention,” he said.
Oluwafemi further advocated for visa reforms and improved bilateral arrangements.
“The new leadership must therefore be intentional in pursuing visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival frameworks, and simplified entry systems with key countries,” he added.
He also criticised poor treatment of Nigerians during visa application processes, urging the ministry to engage foreign missions on improved standards.
“It is deeply concerning that many citizens are subjected to undignified conditions while applying for visas… These processes must be brought to a standard that reflects respect for Nigerian citizens,” he said.
According to him, reciprocity should guide diplomatic relations between Nigeria and other countries.
“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,” he stated.
Oluwafemi concluded that the Foreign Affairs Ministry must shift towards a more results-driven diplomatic model.
“Diplomacy must move from being largely ceremonial to being results-driven, data-informed, and aligned with national development priorities,” he said, adding that embassies should function as “centres of opportunity, not just representation.”
He stressed that Nigerians expect a foreign policy direction that delivers dignity, access, and global relevance.
