The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has cautioned foreign diplomatic missions in Nigeria against making unguarded or disparaging comments as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The minister issued the warning on Thursday during her first formal engagement with members of the Diplomatic Corps since her appointment, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged foreign missions to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and use established diplomatic channels when raising concerns about developments in the country.

She said Nigeria’s position as Africa’s largest democracy meant that events in the country could have regional and international implications.

“As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would request that missions remain guided. We would not look kindly upon unguarded comments, disparaging remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy,” she said. 

The minister also assured the diplomats that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to democratic governance and conducting a peaceful, free, fair and credible election. 

She called for stronger cooperation between the ministry and foreign missions, urging diplomats to resolve issues through dialogue, mutual respect and established diplomatic procedures.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu further advised foreign missions to channel official communications and requests to the Presidency, ministries, departments and agencies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She explained that the ministry was not intended to restrict diplomatic access to the Nigerian Government but to facilitate effective communication and coordination.

“Let me emphasize that the Ministry is not an obstacle between you and the Nigerian Government; we are your bridge to the Nigerian Government,” she said. 

The minister also outlined the Federal Government’s foreign policy priorities, anchored on the four Ds — Demography, Development, Democracy and Diaspora — while stressing Nigeria’s commitment to strategic autonomy, multilateralism and cooperation with other countries.

She also urged foreign missions to review lengthy visa processing periods for Nigerians, particularly students, businesspeople, families and other legitimate travellers.