Even after many years of a diplomatic career and after having held the position of Ambassador in Tanzania, the emotion of beginning a new adventure in Nigeria is still vivid. An emotion that includes the desire to deeply get to know a complex and varied country like Nigeria, a true continent, which it is reductive to call simply a giant. Approaching Nigeria with an open spirit is the only way to know it, to understand it, and thus to allow our work to develop, in order to safeguard the interests of Italy, of Italian citizens, of our businesses, always with respect for the sovereignty of the country that hosts us.
The emotion also includes the desire to meet the people who inhabit Nigeria, among them the many Italians, some of whom have followed its events since independence and have been part of Nigerian history. It is my intention to visit the different parts of Nigeria, starting precisely with the areas where Italians are present, maintaining continuous exchange with everyone.
As an Embassy we do not intend only to efficiently provide the usual consular services and assistance to businesses. Strengthened also by the Consulate General and the ICE Office in Lagos, recently established, we would like to work with a true “Country System” approach, with work that is, first of all, informative—both towards Italy and towards Nigeria—and secondly, actively promoting our nation on different levels, not excluding the Italian language and culture.
I do not underestimate the existing difficulties and risks and, precisely for this reason, an in‑depth knowledge of the country that hosts us can help us make the best choices.
Good work to all!
Roberto Mengoni
Ambassador
