The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has commenced the induction of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate.
In a keynote message at the opening ceremony on Monday in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu, described the appointments as a “sacred national responsibility.”
He said Nigeria’s foreign policy has been repositioned to prioritize citizens’ welfare and tangible national benefits, urging the envoys to ensure their postings translate into concrete gains for the country.
The President represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, enjoined them to adhere strictly to professionalism, patriotism, and respect for host nations’ laws and cultures, alongside unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, spoke in delivering measurable outcomes that advance Nigeria’s national interests.
She urged the envoys to see their roles as strategic national assignments requiring discipline, integrity, and performance.
The Minister maintained that the envoys represent Nigeria’s image and influence abroad, noting that their conduct would shape global perceptions and strengthen bilateral and multilateral ties.
Blanca further stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy remains anchored on the 4Ds—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—with a renewed focus on economic diplomacy.
The minister tasked the diplomats with attracting foreign direct investment, promoting trade and tourism, and supporting the country’s economic diversification drive.
She also underscored the importance of efficient consular services, insisting that Nigerians in the diaspora must experience responsive and protective representation from missions abroad.
Lawmakers, speaking through representatives of the National Assembly, pledged continued legislative backing for Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, while also stressing accountability, financial discipline, and compliance with existing regulations.
The induction programme will feature technical sessions on diplomatic practice, mission administration, protocol, consular affairs, multilateral engagement, and security coordination.
The exercise underscores the Ministry’s push to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps and reposition its missions abroad to deliver purposeful, proactive, and result-oriented diplomacy.
