President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians living abroad to respect their host communities so as to portray the country in good light.
Buhari said this during a meeting with members of the Nigerian community in Benin Republic on Saturday evening.
He said “I have always told the Nigerian communities to respect their hosts’ culture and obey their laws.
“There are a number of problems in South Africa which did not portray us in good light as Nigerians.
“Some of them are in prison for committing a number of crimes. But for you who are so close home, you should do your best in being good ambassadors of the country.”
The President also confirmed that he will reduce the number of ministries in the country while responding to a request for the creation of two more Nigerian consulates in Benin Republic.
Buhari said “I think I will direct your ambassador to make the request to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so that by the time we are doing the next budget, it would be included.
“Although we are trying to cut down on the number of ministries, the morale of Nigerians in the Diaspora must be considered. This is because we are so many.
“We are aggressive whether in business or other facets of life. So, we, as a government, will do everything possible to look after Nigerians wherever they are.”