Former Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, Ijeoma Obiezu, has stated that Nigeria does not require fresh Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) or new bilateral agreements at this time.
She made this statement during an appearance on Prime Time on Arise Television on Thursday, where she explained that the country should concentrate on fully utilizing the agreements that already exist instead of creating new ones.
Her comments came shortly after the government of Nigeria and the United Kingdom signed three separate Memoranda of Understanding aimed at improving bilateral cooperation between both nations.
The agreements were finalized following the official visit of the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to the United Kingdom. He was accompanied by the First Lady, Remi Tinubu, during the diplomatic trip which focused on strengthening relations between the two countries.
While sharing her personal view, the former envoy emphasized that the focus should not be on signing new documents, but rather on implementing existing ones effectively.
According to her, Nigeria already has multiple agreements in place, and the real challenge lies in ensuring that those agreements are properly executed for the mutual benefit of the countries involved.
Speaking further on the immigration agreement signed by both nations, Obiezu noted that individuals who do not meet the legal requirements to stay in another country should not attempt to remain there unlawfully.
She explained that every country has its own rules and entry conditions, and anyone who fails to meet those requirements should respect the laws of the host nation.
However, she also pointed out that the Nigerian government has a responsibility to improve living conditions at home so that citizens do not feel forced to leave the country in search of survival.
She stressed that the main purpose of life is livelihood, and when people cannot find opportunities in their own country, they often look for alternatives elsewhere in order to survive.
Obiezu therefore advised Nigerians to exercise caution when traveling abroad and to ensure they only go to countries where they have the proper documentation and legal permission to stay.
She added that such discipline would help reduce the embarrassment and difficulties Nigerians sometimes face in foreign countries due to immigration violations.
The former ambassador concluded by saying that strengthening the domestic economy and creating better opportunities within Nigeria would naturally reduce irregular migration and improve the country’s global reputation.
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