Nigerians in Philippines, Cambodia Threaten to Sue FG Over Demand for Monthly Dues

Nigerians residing in the Philippines and Cambodia have threatened to sue the Federal Government over a directive allegedly requiring them to register with the Nigerians in Diaspora Organization Philippines (NIDOPHIL) and pay mandatory dues before accessing consular services.

The threat was contained in a petition addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, by a group of Nigerians in the two countries through a consortium of senior lawyers led by Chief Chukwuma Nwachukwu.

According to the petitioners, the Nigerian Embassy in Manila issued a public notice on May 20, 2026, stating that Nigerians would be denied access to consular services unless they provided proof of registration with NIDOPHIL.

The notice reportedly also directed that individuals without evidence of registration would not be granted entry through the Dasmariñas Village gate for consular-related services at the embassy.

The petitioners argued that the directive amounts to a violation of constitutional rights, particularly the freedom of association guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution.

They maintained that membership of NIDOPHIL is voluntary and that no Nigerian citizen should be compelled to join any association as a condition for accessing government services.

The group further expressed concern that the policy extends to Nigerian students in the Philippines, warning that it could negatively affect those requiring embassy support for academic and immigration-related matters.

According to the lawyers, the embassy lacks the legal authority to impose such conditions, arguing that matters relating to Nigerians in the diaspora fall within the jurisdiction of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

They contended that neither the Nigerian Embassy nor NiDCOM possesses statutory powers to compel Nigerians abroad to join any diaspora organisation.

The petition also described the directive as unconstitutional and contrary to the fundamental responsibility of Nigerian embassies to provide consular assistance to citizens without discrimination.

The group warned that denying access to embassy services on the basis of non-membership of NIDOPHIL amounts to punishment not recognised under Nigerian law.

The petitioners called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs to intervene and direct the immediate withdrawal of the notice within seven days.

They stated that while affected Nigerians reserve the right to seek damages against the Federal Government, they would suspend legal action if the policy is withdrawn promptly.

The group warned that failure to address the matter could result in litigation aimed at securing constitutional redress for Nigerians affected by the directive.