The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, on Thursday said the Federal Government would establish a consulate in Manchester, UK.
Ashiru said this in Manchester when he inaugurated a property renovated by the Nigeria’s High Commission in the UK. The property was purchased in 1982 to serve as the Cultural Centre for the Nigerian Community resident in Manchester.
“It is our intention to convert this building into a consulate once the necessary funds and approvals are received from the Federal Government,” the minister said.
He said setting up a consulate in the city would reduce the stress Nigerians living in the city undergo travelling to London for consular services.
He assured Nigerians in the Diaspora of government’s support in ensuring that their interests, rights and welfare were adequately protected from unjust harassment and deportation by officials of the host government.
”Even in the case of irregular migrants it is our policy to ensure that Nigerians are treated with respect and dignity,” Mr. Ashiru said.
Dalhatu Tafida, the High Commissioner to the UK said 532,000 pounds was spent to renovate the building and urged Nigerians living in Manchester to use it optimally.
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