… hails emergence of Ojukwu as Foreign Affairs minister
Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi,
International Development Consultant
Reputation Architecture Strategist
President, Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC) has said New Foreign Affairs Leadership Must Deliver Respect, Access, and Global Value for Nigerians”
Oluwafemi in a signed statement issued on Thursday evening stated that:
“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.
“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.
“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.
“This reality calls for deliberate and coordinated action. 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. Nigeria must therefore take ownership of its narrative and actively shape how it is perceived through structured engagement, consistent communication, and firm diplomatic presence.
“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.
” This is not merely about image-building. It is about restoring respect and ensuring that Nigerians are treated with dignity wherever they go. Others will inevitably define a nation that does not define itself, and often unfairly.
“Closely linked to this is the urgent need to expand global mobility for Nigerian citizens. 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.
“The ability of citizens to cross borders reflects a nation’s influence and bilateral strength. The new leadership must therefore be intentional in pursuing visa-free arrangements, visa-on-arrival frameworks, and simplified entry systems with key countries.
“Where visa-free access is not immediately achievable, there should be a clear push towards efficient e-visa systems and structured bilateral agreements that make travel less burdensome and more predictable for Nigerians. Improved mobility is not just a convenience. It is a driver of economic opportunity, global integration, and national pride.
“Equally important is the experience of Nigerians within Nigeria when interacting with foreign visa systems. It is deeply concerning that many citizens are subjected to undignified conditions while applying for visas, often standing for long hours under the sun or in the rain, with inadequate facilities and poor service structures.
“These processes, managed largely by third-party agencies on behalf of foreign missions, must be brought to a standard that reflects respect for Nigerian citizens.
” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has a critical role to play in engaging with foreign embassies and ensuring that minimum standards of service, organisation, and human dignity are upheld. Nigerians should not feel diminished in their own country simply because they are seeking access to another.
“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. This is not a confrontation. It is mutual respect, and it must be pursued with professionalism and firmness.
“Beyond these immediate concerns, this moment calls for a broader transformation in how the Ministry operates. Diplomacy must move from being largely ceremonial to being results-driven, data-informed, and aligned with national development priorities. Through structured frameworks such as Policy-as-a-Platform and Results-as-a-Service, the Ministry can begin tracking outcomes, measuring impact, and ensuring that every international engagement delivers tangible value for Nigeria. Embassies must become centres of opportunity, not just representation, actively driving trade, investment, and strategic partnerships that benefit the country.
He explained that: “This is a defining opportunity to shift from intention to execution. The expectation is clear. Nigerians want to be respected, to travel with dignity, and to see their country command influence and credibility on the global stage.
“Diplomacy, at its highest level, is not about protocol alone. It is about protection, access, and national advantage. This new leadership has the opportunity to deliver on all three and to set a new standard for Nigeria’s engagement with the world.
Signed:
Sir Victor Walsh Oluwafemi, KJW
International Development Consultant
Reputation Architecture Strategist
President, Africa Development Studies Centre (ADSC)
Member, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council