Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu has cautioned foreign diplomatic missions against making unguarded comments or issuing unsolicited lectures on democracy as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Thursday during her first formal briefing with the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, Odumegwu-Ojukwu emphasized that as Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria expects its sovereignty and established diplomatic channels to be respected.

“We would not look kindly upon unguarded comments, disparaging remarks, or unsolicited lectures on democracy,” the minister stated, noting that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains fully committed to delivering a peaceful, free, and credible election.

During the briefing, Odumegwu-Ojukwu outlined several core directives for foreign missions operating in the country:

Communication channels Missions were urged to route all official requests and communications meant for the Presidency, ministries, and government agencies through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which she described as a bridge rather than an obstacle.

Bilateral Cooperation the ministry intends to revitalize inactive Joint and Bi-National Commissions to bolster trade, investment, security, education, and health.

Visa Processing the minister appealed to foreign missions to streamline their visa procedures for Nigerian applicants, noting that excessive waiting periods hinder legitimate travelers, students, and businesspersons.

Security Commitments reaffirming adherence to the Vienna Conventions, she assured diplomats that the safety and well-being of foreign personnel and premises remain a top priority for the Nigerian government.

Concluding her address, Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy under the “Four Ds” framework—Demography, Development, Democracy, and Diaspora—focuses on strategic autonomy, mutual respect, and deepening multilateral partnerships through bodies like ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations.