The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gbenga Ashiru on Friday advised Nigerians travelling abroad not to indulge in criminality in their host countries.

Mr Ashiru gave the advice at the on-going ministerial platform to commemorate the anniversary of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in Abuja.

He said the advice became necessary because 17 of 300 Nigerians had been on death row in Indonesia for drug trafficking but assured that the Federal Government had intervened on the matter.

“We have been pleading with the necessary authorities. I have sent two delegations around to see to their welfare, so that tells you we have not abandoned them.

“This is one of the reasons we appeal to Nigerians not to be involved in acts of crime because when you are caught, there is nothing the Federal Government can really do.

“Nigerians should respect the laws of their host countries; we cannot, as a government, promote criminality.

“Many Nigerians are doing well and as we all know, in every country, there are the good eggs and the bad ones but the media, agencies and civil society organisations should enlighten people.

“If we keep letting people know the risks involved, it should stem any recurrence.

The Senate President, David Mark had on Tuesday said Nigeria’s upper legislature will not intervene in cases of the 17 Nigerians found guilty of criminal activities in Indonesia.

“We will not defend any Nigerian who breaks the laws of foreign countries. If they break the laws there, they should face the consequences. This is a warning to other Nigerians abroad. They cannot continue to tarnish our image,” Mr Mark had said.