The newly appointed Nigerian  Ambassadors have been advised to protect the interest of Nigerians living abroad, especially those in their countries of posting.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President and National Coordinator of SERVICOM, Mr Sylbriks Obriki gave the advice in a paper presentation at the induction course for the ambassadors-designate in Abuja on Saturday.

Obriki said the advice became necessary because developments and reports from some countries had shown that regards for Nigerians living abroad had been eroded.

He said it was also common for Nigerians to be molested, maltreated and, in some cases, murdered arbitrarily.

Obriki noted that Nigerians under prosecution abroad were often not given adequate legal support by Nigerian missions.

“While one is not trying to encourage or rationalise illicit behaviour by Nigerians in the Diaspora, there are some genuine litigation cases which missions are expected to show interest in.’’

Obriki reminded them that they owe Nigeria the duty of attending to the plights of its citizens and ensuring that they received the best of service in line with international law.

He urged the ambassadors-designate to serve the interest of Nigerians in their host countries and adopt measures to ensure adherence to rules and regulations.

The SERVICOM national coordinator urged them to work towards redeeming the country’s image and ensuring that their service delivery at the international community was based on the principles of SERVICOM. These, he said, included effective service delivery, timeliness, correct information, professionalism and staff attitude.

Obriki stressed the need to establish SERVICOM units and display the service charter in their various missions. He also stressed the need to review Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and find solution to the internal security challenges confronting the nation.

He said the internal security challenges needed to be addressed because the assassinations, maltreatment and exploitation of Nigerians abroad were end products of her domestic challenges and realities. Amb. Peter Iyamabo, one of the course participants, in an interview  with newsmen commended the presentation.

Iyamabo said it would go a long way in helping them to discharging their responsibilities to Nigeria and its citizens in their host countries. He, however, urged Nigerians in the Diasporas and those who hoped to travel abroad to always respect the rules and regulation of their host countries to promote the country’s image.