Mrs Isa disclosed that the mission worked round the clock during and after the lockdown to clear the backlog, pointing out that the names of successful applicants have been displayed at the Mission. She also used the occasion to announce that the Immigration Service in Nigeria has allocated 500 new passport booklets to the Mission for Nigerians in Italy.
In his opening remarks at the commencement of the meeting, Ambassador Hinna, said the gathering became necessary to highlight and resolve issues between NUNAI and Nigerian Community bodies across Italy, and urged participants to feel free to air their views and proffer solutions. And indeed leaders of associations present did put forward their opinions. Issues ranging from the Embassy’s relationship with Nigerians, consular and immigration matters, welfare of Nigerians in the country and the need for NUNAI to carry the affiliated unions and associations along in its activities, were looked into.
The atmosphere at the meeting was at times charged because of the sensitive nature of some of the issues but the presence of the Ambassador helped to calm frayed nerves. Over a dozen affiliate associations of NUNAI were represented at the meeting. The Nigerian in Diaspora Organisation, NIDO, Italy, also sent represention.
