Postcard to Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister Ojo Maduekwe

Dear Minister,

You, like your predecessors, have never taken the time to explain to Nigerians what you hope to personally achieve as Minister and how you plan to achieve them

The easiest and most efficient way to communicate in this age is via internet, alas your website is largely incomplete, grossly out of date and unfit for purpose.

Silence on your actions and intentions has generated discomfort and speculation amongst many. The pessimists conclude your office is silent because you have not plans, the generous suggest you still thinking

Speculations aside, there are three simple things you can and need to do urgently.

You need to update your website, turn it into a channel where the world can read about what you stand for, your plans, your present and past activities.

You need to improve services in Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions across the board. Queues and waiting time for passports, Visa etc need to be drastically reduced. Embassy staffs need to be trained and compelled to deliver decent civilian services to users.

You need to look at the humiliating ways most foreign embassies treat Nigerians and find a way to improve things. Approach the appropriate foreign authorities, you don’t have to be confrontational, just a quick mention during a reception or while posing for a photographer will start the ball rolling.

These, Mr. Minister, are very simple things but very urgently needed, and if you are able to do them, Nigeria will remember you with gratitude.