The Nigerian Embassy in Rome, Italy on Thursday denied claims by Nigerians that of the three million registered Nigerians in Italy, 1.5 million needed passports.
Recall that the Chairman of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation Europe (NIDOE), George Omo-Iduhon on Saturday said more than 1.5 million registered Nigerians urgently needed the Nigerian passport.
Omo-Iduhon had said, “One of the problems we are facing as Nigerians living in Italy is an acute shortage of Nigerian passports. Most times, we go to the embassy to address the problem. What we normally get as response is the shortage of booklets and backlogs.”
However, the Embassy in a statement, said it was not unaware of the information circulating on the social media, in which a particular association of Nigerians in Italy, provided divergent information on the statistics of undocumented and documented Nigerians residing in the country among other issues.
The statement reads, “The Embassy, remains the only body in the country that will be able to provide relevant figures on such issues through traditional diplomatic communications with the relevant host government authorities. Nigerian organisations are hereby advised to always cross-check with the Mission on such matters in the future, before making such statements.
“It is imperative to inform that the Federal Government is already responding to Missions’ appeal for the supply of a higher number of passport booklets. In December 2021, a sizeable consignment of passport booklets was made available to the Embassy.
“It advises Nigerians to use only legally recognised routes on international travel if they intend to visit Italy. Also, Nigerians visiting Italy for whatever reason are advised to register their presence with the Embassy and obtain their consular identification cards.
“Ambassador Mfawa Abam, assures Nigerians in Italy that citizens diplomacy remains the main thrust of the Embassy. In view of the foregoing, no effort is being spared towards ensuring that all Nigerians in the country receive needed consular services.”
