Nigerian diplomats in the United States have taken a bold step toward improving services and restoring trust with the diaspora community. On Sunday, the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., along with the Consulates General in New York and Atlanta, hosted a four-hour virtual town hall meeting with Nigerians across the U.S.

Originally scheduled to end at 9 p.m. New York time, the meeting stretched until 11:15 p.m. as hundreds of Nigerians tuned in to share concerns, ask questions, and receive direct answers from their diplomats.

Key issues raised included passport and visa delays, investment opportunities, trade relations, and Nigeria’s global image. Participants also gave constructive criticism, offering ideas for making consular services faster and more efficient.

Ambassador Samson Itegboje, Acting Ambassador to the U.S., delivered good news that passport printing services have now been expanded. New York and Atlanta each have their own printer, while Washington, D.C., now operates two. This means passports can be processed faster, without the need for consulates to travel to D.C. for printing.

However, Itegboje urged Nigerians to avoid last-minute applications.

“Nigerians apply for passports, visas, and other services at the last hours and want us to do magic,” he said. “We are improving service delivery and will keep doing our best because we don’t want any Nigerian to suffer.”

 

The meeting also addressed online misinformation. Officials cautioned against spreading misleading or damaging narratives about the missions, reminding participants that such actions harm Nigeria’s image abroad.

Amb. Auwalu Namadina, Consul-General in Atlanta, emphasized the importance of teamwork in solving problems.

“Fixing Nigeria is not for some, but for everybody,” he said, calling for ongoing dialogue between the missions and the diaspora.

 

The session ended on a high note, with participants praising the missions for their openness and professionalism. Patience Key, former President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) America, called it “a masterclass in listening, correcting falsehoods, and charting solutions.”

Attendees also pledged to promote Nigeria’s image in the U.S. and encourage investment back home. The missions invited Nigerians across America to attend the 2025 Independence Day Parade and Carnival in New York this October.