Manila, Philippines – The condition of Nigerians living in the Philippines has reached a breaking point, with growing diplomatic and immigration struggles worsened by the continued neglect of Nigeria’s embassy in Manila.

Tony Marioghae, Presiding Bishop of TEAM International and President of Nigerians in Diaspora (NIDOPHIL) Philippines, has called on the Nigerian government to urgently address the situation, stressing the need for immediate intervention to safeguard the welfare of its citizens abroad.

Despite their significant contributions to Nigeria’s economy through remittances, Nigerians in the Philippines continue to face systemic challenges. According to Marioghae, the embassy, which was destroyed by fire over a year ago, remains in a state of disrepair, leaving citizens stranded without essential consular services. The lack of a functioning passport sealing machine has further deepened immigration difficulties for many Nigerians.

“If Nigeria cannot modernize its foreign missions, it weakens our ability to counter negative stereotypes and leaves our citizens vulnerable,” Marioghae warned. He highlighted the plight of Nigerians in Asian countries, who often face restrictions on their rights, and called for stronger diplomatic engagement to counter misinformation and protect Nigerian nationals.

Marioghae also emphasized the need for diaspora inclusion in national affairs, advocating for their right to vote and participate in government decision-making. “Nigerians abroad are cultural, moral, and diplomatic ambassadors of our nation. Providing them with the necessary diplomatic support will enable them to continue excelling and representing Nigeria positively on the global stage,” he stated.

He urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to take decisive action, prioritizing the reconstruction of the Manila embassy to restore dignity to Nigerians in the Philippines and strengthen diplomatic ties with Asia.