The Federal Government has said Nigerians are honourable and hard working people who are making remarkable contributions all over the world.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye said this in New York on Monday.

The permanent secretary said: “The vast majority of Nigerians abroad are doing very well, bringing honour and glory to our country.

 

“However, we have few bad eggs and unfortunately, that’s what gets reported in many instances; so it is a case of ‘one bad apple spoils the barrel.

“So Nigeria’s image has also suffered from some of the activities of few Nigerians who get involved in all sorts of criminalities abroad but they are very few.

“Nevertheless, the silent majority of Nigerians are doing very well, doing the country proudly and we are proud of them.

“So we would continue to work on that strength of Nigeria and Nigerians because it is about perception.

“This is to make sure that what is being reported out there is positive for our country.”

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria had always been a reliable and dependable ally on the global stage, particularly at the UN since its independence.

The permanent secretary described the Nigeria’s UN envoy, and other envoys recently posted to other multilateral organizations as “very distinguished personalities”.

“Even though the permanent mission has been doing its best in keeping the Nigeria’s flag flying, we believe that Bande’s coming at this time would energize our efforts.

“This is for us to re-engage more effectively with the UN in a manner that Nigeria’s voice would be better heard in a manner that would show Nigeria’s role as a responsible and active player.”