The Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta, Georgia, has dissociated itself from certain Business Centers parading themselves as associates to the consulate offices in some parts of the United State of America.
The consulate gave the warning via a public notice by the Nigerian Consulate and made available to the media by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Friday.
The Consulate regretted that despite series of publications to this effect, the activities of the business vendors continues unabated under the pretext of being business annex to the Consulate in those states.
It therefore warned applicants to desist from patronizing unknown private businesses close to the consulate offices or does so at their own risks.
“The Consulate wishes to state that Messsrs ‘Edventure’, located at 8050, Rose well Road, Atlanta, GA, and ‘Nigerian Passport Service’ situated at 8046 Roswell Road, Atlanta, as well as several others located in other states under the Consular jurisdiction of the Consulate, particularly those in Houston and Dallas, are both runs by private individuals.
“The Consulate has on several occasion dissociate itself, both in print and broadcast media from the activities of these business centers and vendors.
“It has always encourage applicants to deal directly with the Consulate, warns that any person or office dealing with business vendors is doing so at his/her own risks
“It further warns that any payment made to these business center or vendors is made at the risks of the payer and has nothing to do with the Consular General of Nigeria, Atlanta,” the Consulate warned.
The Consulate thus reiterated its commitment to quality and selfless service to the Nigerian community in Atlanta, and encouraged applicants to follow due process and never to associate the activities of the Consulate with that of business center.