Nigerians in Philippines, Cambodia give FG seven-day ultimatum over compulsory diaspora dues
Nigerians in the Philippines and Cambodia have threatened to drag the Federal Government to court over a controversial directive allegedly issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Manila requiring citizens to register with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Philippines (NIDOPHIL) and pay mandatory dues before accessing consular services.
Nigerians in the Philippines and Cambodia have threatened to drag the Federal Government to court over a controversial directive allegedly issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Manila requiring citizens to register with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Philippines (NIDOPHIL) and pay mandatory dues before accessing consular services.
The aggrieved Nigerians, through a consortium of lawyers led by Chukwuma Nwachukwu, petitioned Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Foreign Affairs, demanding the immediate withdrawal of the policy, which they described as unconstitutional, discriminatory and beyond the powers of the embassy.
According to the petition, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila issued a public notice on May 20, 2026, stipulating that no Nigerian national would be attended to on any consular matter without presenting evidence of registration with NIDOPHIL.
The notice reportedly further stated that individuals without proof of registration would be denied access to the embassy premises through the Dasmarinas Village gate for consular services, a restriction that would also apply to Nigerian students studying in the Philippines.
The petitioners argued that the directive effectively compels Nigerians in both countries to join an association against their will and infringes on their constitutional rights to freedom of association.
“We have reviewed the content of the said public notice and it is our legal view that same amounts to a gross subversion of the fundamental rights of every Nigerian to freely associate and should not be coerced into joining any association,” the lawyers stated.
They maintained that membership of NIDOPHIL, like any voluntary association, remains a personal choice protected under Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and cannot be made a prerequisite for accessing government services.
According to the legal team, the embassy’s directive is particularly troubling because it extends to Nigerian students who may require consular assistance for academic documentation, passport renewals, visa-related issues and other official matters.
The petition warned that implementation of the policy could have severe consequences for students and other Nigerians who depend on embassy services, potentially disrupting their studies, residency status and other legal obligations in their host countries.
The lawyers further argued that matters relating to Nigerians in the diaspora fall primarily within the mandate of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), established under the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission Act 2017.
Citing provisions of the Act, they contended that NIDCOM is responsible for coordinating diaspora engagement and collaborations, but neither the commission nor the embassy possesses statutory authority to compel Nigerians abroad to join any branch of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO).
They accused the embassy of overstepping its mandate and interfering in affairs that do not fall within its jurisdiction.
“A careful examination of the Act will reveal that the Nigerian Embassy has no role to play in the execution of any of the provisions of the NIDCOM Act,” the petition stated.
The petitioners also challenged the legality of denying embassy access to Nigerians who fail to register with NIDOPHIL, arguing that such a measure amounts to punishment not recognized under Nigerian law.
According to them, every Nigerian citizen holding a valid passport is entitled to unhindered access to consular services at Nigerian embassies and high commissions across the world.
They argued that the embassy failed to cite any legal instrument authorising the directive and accused officials of acting on sentiment rather than established law.
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria is governed by laws and not sentiments, and the Nigerian Embassy in the Philippines is not an exception,” the lawyers said.
The group warned that if the directive remains in force, it could create tension and confusion among Nigerians seeking embassy services in both the Philippines and Cambodia, particularly those who are not members of NIDOPHIL.
Consequently, they urged the Minister of Foreign Affairs to exercise supervisory authority over the embassy and order the immediate withdrawal of the notice.
While stating that affected Nigerians reserve the right to seek damages against the Federal Government, the petitioners indicated their willingness to forgo legal claims if the policy is withdrawn within seven days of receiving the petition.
They, however, issued a formal notice of intended legal action should the government fail to act.
“Take notice that in the event of your neglect, failure or refusal to comply with the demands herein, we shall put into effect our further instructions to bring suit at the relevant courts to avail our clients of all the redress provided by the Constitution,” the petition mentioned.
