MADRID, SPAIN — The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid has announced plans to digitise records of Nigerians resident in Spain and introduce Total Quality Management (TQM) principles to improve consular service delivery.
The move is aimed at strengthening citizen-centred diplomacy and enhancing engagement with the Nigerian diaspora in line with the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework.
The initiatives were unveiled by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS) at the Embassy in Madrid.
Digital Database, Faster Services
Ikpeazu said the digitalisation initiative would create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in Spain.
“Our goal is to build a responsive, efficient and truly citizen-centred Mission that better serves Nigerians in Spain,” he stated.
He added that the database would enable the Mission to improve communication, respond more efficiently to consular requests and deliver faster, technology-driven services.
The Ambassador also said the adoption of TQM principles would strengthen accountability, professionalism and service standards across the Embassy.
Diaspora Concerns: Direct Flights
The FNCS delegation, led by its President, Hon. Jackson Dame Oboh, welcomed the Embassy’s commitment but raised key concerns affecting Nigerians in Spain.
Top on the list was the restoration of direct flight connectivity between Nigeria and Spain.
“Direct flights will ease travel, stimulate business and further deepen relations between Nigeria and Spain,” Oboh said.
Responding, Ikpeazu pledged that the Embassy would continue engaging relevant authorities and stakeholders to promote the interests of Nigerians in Spain while advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
4-D Policy and Diaspora Role
The Ambassador reaffirmed that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate.
He said the Mission remains committed to implementing the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework: Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora.
“Our engagement with Nigerians in Spain reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to the 4-D foreign policy framework. The diaspora remains a vital partner in promoting Nigeria’s development and strengthening our global presence,” Ikpeazu said.
He also urged Nigerians in Spain to remain law-abiding and project a positive image of the country.
“Your conduct reflects the image of Nigeria. Lead with integrity, promote unity and continue to be worthy ambassadors of our nation,” he added.
Both parties agreed to institutionalise regular consultations between the Embassy and FNCS to strengthen collaboration and improve consular service delivery.
Nigeria to Digitise Consular Services in Spain, Deepens Diaspora Engagement
