If one could recall, its been about seven months since the ambassadors that are to represent Nigeria in certain countries are approved by the Nigerian national House of Parliament, but for reasons yet to be made public are yet to be deployed. One of the countries out posts affected by this delay that is shrouded in diplomatic secrecy is is the Nigerian Embassy in Brussels Belgium. it is note worthy that this particular embassy is one of the most powerful of the country’s as Brussels wears for Nigeria three hats. The Nigerian Embassy in Brussels represents the nation in The Kingdom of Belgium, The Grand duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union. That such embassy has been deprived off a full fledged ambassador more than a year now, tells a lot about the foreign policies of the government of Nigeria. It is also worthy of note that for more than five years now, this same embassy has not have an ambassador that served the full tenure an ambassador is supposed to serve, be it three or four years. One of the latest ambassadors received her approval from the King of Belgium the same month she was retired and recalled or removed, one can not tell.
as one applauds the decision of the government to issue the National Identity Numbers to every Nigerian, including even foreign diplomats, it saddens so many to note that there don’t seem to be any thought for Nigerians in the Diaspora on this issue. Just as these category of Nigerians are ignored during census, denied their rights of voting during elections, they are now ignored by the government when national numbers are being issue.
It is ridiculous that any nation could ignore the potentials of such formidable populace of hers.
Now, since this week, The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has commenced the enrollment of foreign diplomats in Nigeria.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications of NIN, in Abuja.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, in his bid to ensure seamless enrollment of all diplomats in the country for the purpose of the ongoing NIN-SIM linkage and other needs, directed the setting up of the enrollment center at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
The enrollment of the diplomats started on Monday, Jan. 18.
“Also, the NIMC wishes to assure members of the general public that all hands are on deck to ensure the enrollment of all Nigerians and legal residents into the National Identity Database,” he said.
