PASSPORT WOES: Nigerians Abroad Call For Better Consular Services
20 Nigerian American Community Organizations Advocate for the Improvement of Services at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States
by The Nigerian Centre, Washington DC
Washington, D.C., November 17, 2023
A coalition of 20 prominent Nigerian American community organizations has come together to call on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to improve consular and passport services at the Nigerian Embassy in the United States through a collaborative effort. This appeal is directed to Honorable Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo of the Ministry of Interior and Ambassador Dr. Uzoma E. Emenike of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the United States.
In a joint letter, the coalition underscored the urgent need for immediate improvements across various aspects of embassy operations, highlighting critical concerns adversely affecting the Nigerian diaspora community in the United States. These concerns include delays in passport processing, challenges in acquiring National IDs, issues with embassy infrastructure, communication, and customer service, complications in visa processing and community relations.
In addition to highlighting key concerns, the letter provided specific solutions that take advantage of the expansive capabilities of local Nigerian American community organizations as a resource for addressing these issues.
Madam Lara Okunubi, Chairperson and CEO of the Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee, emphasized the opportunity to embrace a collaborative approach with local Nigerian American community organizations stating, "When support improves, outcomes will increase."
Gbenga Ogunjimi, Executive Director of the Nigerian Center, acknowledged the ongoing improvement in consular services while asserting, “The coalition's voice represents an opportunity to enhance our home country’s image in the United States.”
Sunday Bitrus, President of Zumunta Association Inc., highlighted the absence of a permanent Nigerian Consulate on the entire West Coast, Midwest, and South Coast of the United States. He emphasized, “There is a need for additional consular services in areas with significant Nigerian populations, such as Los Angeles, Houston, San Francisco, and Chicago.”
The coalition's letter outlining these concerns is available below.
About The Nigerian Center
Nigerian Center is the first immigrant and cultural center that serves the Nigerian American community in the United States. The center's mission is to foster financial inclusion and social justice opportunities for its community members. Additionally, the center champions policy advocacy efforts and, to that end, is leading a coalition of community organizations whose goal is to elevate the community as a policy priority in the United States.
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