Nigeria to Digitise Consular Services in Spain, Deepens Diaspora Engagemen
The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid has unveiled plans to digitise records of Nigerians resident in Spain and introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to improve consular service delivery, in a move aimed at strengthening citizen-centred diplomacy and enhancing engagement with the Nigerian diaspora.
The initiatives were announced by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) at the Embassy in Madrid.
Ikpeazu said the digitalisation initiative would create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in Spain, enabling the Mission to improve communication, respond more efficiently to consular requests and deliver faster, technology-driven services.
“Our goal is to build a responsive, efficient and truly citizen-centred Mission that better serves Nigerians in Spain,” the ambassador said.
He added that the adoption of Total Quality Management principles would strengthen accountability, professionalism and service standards across the Embassy, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to improved service delivery.
The Ambassador reaffirmed that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate and pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian community in Spain.
The FNCS delegation, led by its President, Hon. Jackson Dame Oboh, welcomed the Embassy’s commitment to closer engagement while highlighting issues affecting Nigerians across Spain.
Among the concerns raised was the restoration of direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain, which the federation said would facilitate travel, promote trade and investment, boost tourism and strengthen bilateral relations.
“Direct flights will ease travel, stimulate business and further deepen relations between Nigeria and Spain,” Oboh said.
Responding, Ikpeazu said the Embassy would continue engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders on initiatives that promote the interests of Nigerians in Spain while advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
He said the Mission remains committed to implementing the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, noting that stronger engagement with Nigerians abroad, improved service delivery and strategic partnerships with the diaspora are essential to advancing Nigeria’s national development and international standing.
“Our engagement with Nigerians in Spain reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the 4-D foreign policy framework. The diaspora remains a vital partner in promoting Nigeria’s development and strengthening our global presence,” Ikpeazu said.
The Ambassador also urged Nigerians resident in Spain to remain law-abiding and continue projecting a positive image of Nigeria by respecting the laws and institutions of their host country.
“Your conduct reflects the image of Nigeria. Lead with integrity, promote unity and continue to be worthy ambassadors of our nation,” he said.
Both parties agreed to institutionalise regular consultations between the Embassy and the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of Nigerians in Spain and support more effective consular service delivery.
The engagement underscores Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening ties with its diaspora community in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework, which recognises Nigerians abroad as strategic partners in advancing national development, economic diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations.
