Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with Australia are facing potential strain following a series of counter-travel advisories issued by both nations. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently advised its citizens to exercise increased vigilance while travelling to Australia. This move came as a response to rising reports of harassment and discrimination against foreign nationals, including racial profiling, verbal abuse, and hate crimes targeting Minority Groups in the country. It also followed the region’s earlier warning to its citizens, advising them to reconsider travelling to Nigeria due to concerns over terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crimes.
Regions such as Bayelsa, Adamawa, Borno, and Delta states were specifically identified as high-risk areas. Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade stressed that the volatile Security situation in the country warranted caution for travellers. While travel advisories are common in international relations, Nigeria’s swift and direct counter-response raised concerns about potential diplomatic tensions between the two Commonwealth member states. Notably, countries like the United States and the United Kingdom have previously issued similar advisories against the country without prompting immediate retaliatory moves.
Reciprocal diplomatic actions and historical context.
However, these recent responses were seen as a move towards diplomatic reciprocity. Former Nigerian Ambassador to Mexico and Singapore, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, supported the Federal Government’s stance, emphasising that mutual respect is essential in diplomacy. He argued that the region’s action was justified as it aimed to avoid undue criticism from a country that should be a bilateral partner. Amedu-Ode stressed that both countries should engage diplomatically to resolve the situation, as failure could lead to further tension. His call for de-escalation through private diplomatic channels was echoed by former Nigerian ambassador to Brazil and Argentina, Patrick Dele Cole.
Cole acknowledged that travel advisories were a standard practice but cautioned against unnecessary relationship strain. He advocated for continued cooperation in sectors like energy and Infrastructure while urging both countries to engage in civilised dialogue. Similarly, former Consul to Cameroon, Ambassador Rasheed Akinkuolie, described the travel advisories as routine diplomatic measures with minimal implications for bilateral ties. He noted the contributions of Nigerians in Australia, such as Bola Oyetunji, the Auditor General of New South Wales, as a testament to the positive impact Nigerians have had on the country.
Significance of exercising caution and fostering mutual respect.
Akinkuolie also pointed out that while incidents of violence against Nigerians in Australia were rare, caution was advisable. He emphasised that embassies must protect their nationals from potential risks. Former Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, echoed this sentiment, criticising Australia’s broad security alert for the nation as not reflective of the reality on the ground. He suggested that a more balanced approach, such as advising against travel to specific regions instead of the entire country, would have been more appropriate.
Meanwhile, Australia’s approach to human rights, particularly in its treatment of refugees and asylum seekers, has drawn both praise and criticism over time. Since World War II, the nation has resettled over 950,000 people through its humanitarian programs, including the 2024-25 Humanitarian Program, which has allocated 20,000 places for those in need. However, their policy towards asylum seekers without valid visas involves indefinite detention in immigration centres until their claims are processed or they are deported. This controversial practice has led to concerns about the duration and conditions of detention, with some critics arguing that they now lead in punitive refugee policies despite being a signatory to several international Human Rights treaties.
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Lastly, this diplomatic friction between the two nations underscores the need for constructive dialogue and strategic engagement. While both countries have the sovereign right to issue travel advisories, balancing caution with diplomatic sensitivity remains crucial for preserving bilateral relations. Moving forward, both nations can benefit from increased cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as trade, education, and security partnerships. As Commonwealth members, they share historical ties and a platform for collaboration that should be strengthened rather than strained.