We must work with the High Commission to initiate change

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By Juliana Olayinka

Dear UK Nigerian community members,

What a fantastic year we are having! Our teenagers continue to outshine their counterparts in their studies, our professionals are excelling in the City, our entertainers and sports stars dominate their chosen field and it would be difficult to argue against the fact that Diaspora expertise can no longer be ignored by the administration and the Nigerian elite. Permit me to also add that the British Nigerian community have also successfully been accepted into mainstream British politics now that Prime Minister Boris Johnson appointed Kemi Badenoch (nee Adegoke) into his cabinet.

Let’s continue to leverage on Britain’s unique and world-leading ability to exercise power, implement change and propel a narrative that can influence the entire world.

Recently I came across yet another social media storm surrounding the Nigeria High Commission in the UK (NHC) and alas I held my head in my hands.

As Nigerians in the UK, we must take collective responsibility for our institutions and our reputation at home and abroad.

Back To Basics

The number of Nigerians living in the UK is unknown but estimated to be in the millions. We have one High Commission dealing with all of us. If we want to see changes, we must work with them to initiate change.

1. Stop Encouraging Touts

Many Nigerians engage with somebody that can arrange a fast track visa or passport renewal for us. This interaction must stop. If you know you have been involved with this type of transaction you are part of the problem. Those in glass houses cannot throw stones.

2. Communicate Effectively With Staff

Social media has proven to be a positive platform to lament frustration and call out bad practice but what difference has this made in implementing the change we seek? Effective communication must be conducted through engagement with the NHC directly or via the reputable Diaspora organisations that mediate between the NHC and the Nigerian community. These groups are appointed to work on our behalf, let’s decide to work with them and not against them.

3. Abide By The Rules 

To expand on point 1, physically and verbally abusing or intimidating staff members at the NHC is a criminal offence and is totally unacceptable under all circumstances. The same must be said to NHC staff in the way they choose to communicate with their visitors.

Most of us are playing by the rules. The noisy few which include bad-mannered NHC staff and outrageously-behaved visitors are rotten eggs that must be held to account.

Nationalism and pride when used aggressively can have severe ramifications. Taking interest in the reputation of your nation of origin by personally making small changes in your behaviour will have a fruitful lasting impact.

* Juliana Olayinka, a Journalist is based in London.