Ekiti born Mr Ayotunde Adigun has made history at the Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Spain after being named the Most Accessible Immigration Attaché ever to serve at the mission, an honour bestowed on him on January 16, 2026, by The Nigerian Union in Vitoria Gasteiz in recognition of what members described as his rare openness and responsiveness to the needs of Nigerians in Spain. The award, which came barely one year after he assumed duty, reflects growing confidence within the diaspora community that service delivery at the embassy has taken a positive turn.
According to leaders of the union, the decision followed months of consultations and feedback from Nigerians across different regions who acknowledged noticeable improvements in the way immigration related matters are handled, particularly in passport processing, documentation guidance and general communication with applicants. They explained that accessibility in this context goes beyond physical presence, noting that Adigun created channels that made it easier for citizens to seek clarification, resolve complaints and receive timely updates on their applications.
The recognition of his performance did not end there, as the Federation of Nigerian Communities in Spain, the umbrella body for all Nigerian unions in the country, on February 17, 2026, presented him with an Award of Excellence for Outstanding Service to Nigerian communities. The federation stated that the honour was based on consistent reports of professionalism, transparency and a willingness to engage directly with community representatives on issues affecting Nigerians living in Spain.
For many members of the diaspora, immigration services are central to their daily lives because they affect travel plans, residency status, employment opportunities and family obligations, and community leaders noted that the attaché’s proactive approach has reduced uncertainty and restored confidence in the system. They observed that his engagement style has helped bridge the gap between official procedures and the practical concerns of citizens navigating life abroad.
Speaking after receiving the awards, Adigun expressed appreciation to the Nigerian community for the trust placed in him and reiterated that his mission from the beginning was to redefine public service delivery to Nigerians in the diaspora by placing efficiency, accountability and empathy at the centre of operations. He stressed that public office demands not only technical competence but also a readiness to listen and respond promptly to legitimate concerns.
He dedicated the honours to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, whom he credited for providing leadership that encourages reform and improved service standards within the service. Observers say the dual awards signal a broader shift in diaspora engagement and underscore the expectation that Nigerian missions abroad must combine professionalism with accessibility in order to effectively serve citizens beyond the country’s borders.
