Nigeria’s diplomatic re-engagement under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received a major boost on Saturday as the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that 65 of the 69 ambassadorial nominees have been accepted by their respective host countries and are already taking up their assignments abroad.
The ministry said the development reflects growing confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, with 97 per cent of the presidential nominees successfully obtaining the mandatory approval of their host governments.
In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that only four appointments remain outstanding, two of which were affected by unforeseen circumstances.
He said Grace Bent, who was nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Togo, declined the appointment, while Ambassador-designate to Algeria, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, died in April before assuming office.
According to the ministry, the process of appointing a replacement for the late diplomat has already begun.
Ebienfa added that diplomatic consultations with the remaining two host countries are at an advanced stage and expressed confidence that the required agreements would be concluded soon.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international community that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding agreements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement said.
Although the ministry did not identify the countries involved, reports indicate they are Japan and Mexico.
The ministry also disclosed that most of the newly appointed ambassadors have formally presented their letters of credence to their host governments, enabling them to commence their official duties as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representatives.
The development comes as the Tinubu administration intensifies efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral relations, expand economic diplomacy and deepen engagement with strategic partners across the world.