Nigeria to Digitise Consular Services in Spain, Strengthen Diaspora Ties … *Ambassador Ikpeazu unveils database, TQM for faster service delivery

The Nigerian Embassy in Madrid has announced plans to digitise records of Nigerians resident in Spain and adopt Total Quality Management (TQM), principles to improve consular service delivery.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Ambassador Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, disclosed this during a meeting with the Executive Committee of the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain (FNCS), at the Embassy.

Ikpeazu said the digitalisation drive would create a comprehensive database of Nigerians in Spain to enhance communication, speed up response to consular requests and deliver more efficient, technology-driven services.
“Our goal is to build a responsive, efficient and truly citizen-centred Mission that better serves Nigerians in Spain,” he said.

He added that the adoption of TQM would strengthen accountability, professionalism and service standards across the Embassy, in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to better service delivery.

The Ambassador reaffirmed that the welfare, protection and effective representation of Nigerians abroad remain central to the Mission’s mandate, and pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian community in Spain.

FNCS President, Hon. Jackson Dame Oboh, who led the delegation, welcomed the initiative and raised key concerns affecting Nigerians in Spain. Top on the list was the restoration of direct flights between Nigeria and Spain.

“Direct flights will ease travel, stimulate business and further deepen relations between Nigeria and Spain,” Oboh said, noting that it would also boost trade, investment and tourism.

Responding, Ikpeazu said the Embassy would continue to engage relevant authorities on initiatives that advance the interests of Nigerians in Spain and Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.

He said the Mission remains committed to the Federal Government’s 4-D foreign policy framework of Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, stressing that stronger engagement with Nigerians abroad is key to national development.

“The diaspora remains a vital partner in promoting Nigeria’s development and strengthening our global presence,” the Ambassador said.

Ikpeazu 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 said.

Both parties agreed to institutionalise regular consultations between the Embassy and FNCS to strengthen collaboration and improve consular service delivery.

The engagement underscores Nigeria’s renewed commitment to leveraging its diaspora as strategic partners in economic diplomacy and stronger bilateral relations.