Rotimi Rhodes-Vivour Urges Reform Of Nigerian Foreign Mission Services, Promotes Public Value Through A Nudge

Yinka Olatunbosun

A public policy advocate, Prince Rotimi Victor Rhodes‑Vivour Esq, has called for urgent improvement in service delivery at Nigerian embassies and consulates across the world, describing current performance as below expectations.

Rhodes-Vivour, a Candidate of the Public Leadership Credential at the Harvard John F. Kennedy School of Government, said the Nigerian Foreign Service, which operates under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, plays a vital role in protecting Nigerians abroad and promoting the country’s image.

He noted that Nigerian foreign missions are responsible for issuing and renewing passports, processing visas, registering births and marriages, and assisting citizens in emergencies such as arrests, accidents or loss of documents. They also promote Nigeria’s diplomatic, trade and cultural interests.

However, he observed that many Nigerians who use these services complain of long waiting times, slow processing, poor communication and unfriendly staff. Delays in passport issuance and lack of transparency, he said, remain major problems.

In a statement made available to the media, Rhodes-Vivour said although some Nigerians have had positive experiences, especially during emergencies, overall service delivery still needs improvement.
To address the problem, he proposed what he called a “nudge” — a simple behavioural tool aimed at improving efficiency without force or limiting options.

“A nudge is a small change in the way choices are presented that guides people towards better decisions without forcing them,” he explained.

He suggested that Nigerian missions should publicly display clear timelines for processing services such as passport renewal and document verification. These timelines, he said, should be placed on notice boards, mission websites and appointment emails.

In addition, staff should have access to daily dashboards showing how many applications must be completed to meet the stated deadlines.

According to him, this system would increase visibility and accountability, encouraging staff to work faster and communicate better with users.

“When service timelines are clearly stated and monitored, officials are more likely to organise their work efficiently, while users will have clear expectations and less frustration,” he said.

Rhodes-Vivour added that the system would also help citizens plan their visits and follow-ups properly and reduce repeated trips to embassies.

He said one major goal of Nigerian foreign missions — providing fast and efficient passport and consular services — has not been fully achieved, as many applicants still experience long delays and repeated visits.

Another key goal, he noted, is courteous and transparent service, but complaints about poor communication and unfriendly staff show limited progress in this area.
He warned that failure to meet these goals damages public trust and makes Nigerians abroad feel abandoned by their government.

Over time, he said, such failures could also hurt Nigeria’s international image, as inefficient and unprofessional services weaken the country’s ability to represent itself effectively to host nations and foreign partners.

Rhodes-Vivour stressed that his proposed nudge system is practical and easy to implement.

“It gives staff and users clear information they can immediately act on. If delays occur, both sides can refer to the stated timelines, making it easier to resolve problems,” he said.

He added that the approach would promote responsibility, transparency and cooperation, leading to better customer experience and stronger trust in Nigerian foreign missions.

Prince Oluwarotimi Victor Rhodes-Vivour is the first son of Olabode Rhodes‑Vivour (rtd) and Mrs Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour, SAN.

He is Principal Partner at Akande, Rhodes & Vivour (Barristers, Solicitors and Legal Consultants), President of The 616 Group, and Team Lead at the Rotimi Victor Rhodes-Vivour Youth Empowerment Foundation, a civil society organisation focused on empowering African youth at home and in the diaspora.

He is also the author of yet to be released book: Nigeria’s Path to Prosperity, a collection of scholarly articles inspired by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.

Rhodes-Vivour said improving service delivery at Nigerian foreign missions would strengthen trust, protect citizens better and enhance Nigeria’s standing in the international community.