Expert Decries Widespread Misuse of Diplomatic Terms in Nigeria

A retired Nigerian diplomat and Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has raised concerns over the widespread misuse and misunderstanding of diplomatic terms and practices in Nigeria, warning that such errors could undermine the country’s international standing and foreign policy effectiveness.

In a detailed intervention titled “Towards a Better Understanding of Diplomatic Terms and Practice in Nigeria,” Enikanolaiye noted that inaccurate use of diplomatic language has become common in media reports, public commentary and even official discourse. According to him, these misconceptions often lead to administrative frictions, protocol breaches and a distorted public perception of diplomacy.

He explained that while diplomatic practice is globally governed by the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961) and the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), national peculiarities, traditions and established procedures must also be respected. In Nigeria, these conventions are complemented by the Foreign Service Regulations, Public Service Rules and internal policy directives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“The precision of diplomatic language is not an academic luxury,” Enikanolaiye said. “It is central to national prestige, the smooth conduct of foreign relations and effective governance, especially for a country like Nigeria that plays a leadership role in Africa.”

The former Permanent Secretary highlighted common errors such as confusing embassies with chanceries, referring to high commissions as embassies, mislabeling consuls general as “consular,” and misunderstanding the scope of diplomatic immunity. He also clarified distinctions between ambassadors, high commissioners, chargés d’affaires, consuls general and attachés, stressing that each role carries specific legal status, functions and limits.

Enikanolaiye further explained Nigeria’s diplomatic practice regarding appointments, noting that ambassadors and high commissioners require Senate confirmation, while consuls general do not. He emphasized that consuls general are issued exequatur rather than agrément, and that they are not heads of mission where a substantive ambassador is posted.

On diplomatic correspondence, he outlined the hierarchy and proper usage of instruments such as Notes, Notes Verbales, Aide Mémoires and Bout de Papier, cautioning that misuse of these formats—particularly by ministries and agencies—amounts to breaches of established diplomatic practice.

The former envoy also addressed sensitive issues such as the treatment of Nigerian diplomats declared persona non grata abroad, noting that Nigeria’s policy is not to waive diplomatic immunity but to recall affected officers for disciplinary action at home. He underscored that the Nigerian Foreign Service maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward misconduct capable of bringing the country into disrepute.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding policy against the use of honorary consuls, interns or National Youth Service Corps members in foreign missions, citing security concerns and the sensitive nature of diplomatic work.

In addition, the paper provided clear definitions of widely used diplomatic and international law terms, including agrément, letters of credence, treaty, convention, communiqué, reciprocity, démarche, jus soli, jus sanguinis and sovereign immunity, among others.

Drawing from authoritative texts such as Satow’s Guide to Diplomatic Practice and Feltham’s Diplomatic Handbook, as well as his 35 years in the Nigerian Foreign Service, Enikanolaiye said the intervention was aimed at bridging the gap between official protocol and public understanding.

He expressed hope that the clarification would assist journalists, commentators and the wider public in engaging more accurately with diplomatic issues, thereby strengthening informed national dialogue on Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic practice.

Ambassador Enikanolaiye is currently a Distinguished Fellow of the National Defence College, Nigeria.