The Federal Government has announced that more than 25 of the 65 ambassador-designates appointed by President Bola Tinubu have already received formal approval from their host countries, paving the way for their deployment to Nigerian missions abroad.
The disclosure was made on Friday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a media briefing on Nigeria’s current diplomatic engagements and ongoing preparations for the posting of new envoys.
According to Ebienfa, the government has made substantial progress in the accreditation process required before ambassadors can assume duty in foreign countries. He explained that the approvals, known in diplomatic terms as agrément, are official consents granted by receiving countries after background checks and due consideration of nominees presented by the sending nation.
He stated that the ministry continues to receive approvals on a daily basis and expressed optimism that even more ambassador-designates would be cleared before the commencement of a scheduled induction programme later this month.
“We have received agreements from over 25 countries where ambassador-designates have been sent. We are receiving agreements every day, and before the date of induction, we will receive even more,” he said.
Induction Programme Set for Late April
The ministry also confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for a three-day induction programme for the newly appointed ambassadors. The orientation exercise is expected to take place from April 27 to April 29.
Ebienfa said deployment of cleared ambassador-designates would begin immediately after the induction programme, while some missions may still wait for the completion of outstanding clearance procedures.
He explained that the induction is a critical part of preparing ambassadors for service, as it familiarises them with diplomatic protocols, host-country expectations, and the policy priorities of the current administration.
“Once the agrément is granted, the ministry proceeds with induction, where ambassadors and, where applicable, their spouses are exposed to the principles of diplomacy, conduct in host countries, and the expectations of the President,” he said.
He added that participants would also be guided on official hosting responsibilities, public representation, and effective promotion of Nigeria’s interests abroad.
“We are going to talk to them about how to conduct themselves, how to host official engagements, how to advertise the country very well, for our own benefits,” he noted.
No Ambassador Will Be Left Without Posting
Responding to questions regarding whether any of the nominees may have been rejected by host nations, the ministry maintained that no ambassador-designate would be left without an assignment at the end of the process.
Ebienfa noted that Nigeria currently has more than 70 diplomatic missions globally, meaning there are still enough available postings to accommodate all nominees, even if adjustments become necessary.
“Whether any ambassadors have been rejected or not, foreign affairs will not come and tell the public about it. What we will ensure is that all ambassadors will have countries that they will serve in,” he said.
He further explained that diplomatic placements can be reassigned where necessary.
“Out of the 65 ambassadors designated, we have over seventy plus embassies, so it is not every slot that is filled already. Even if someone is rejected by Country A, there is the possibility that they will be accepted in Country B. So that is what the ministry is working with.”
Diplomatic Vacancies Since 2023
Nigeria has operated with several vacant ambassadorial positions since President Tinubu assumed office in 2023. The delay in appointing new ambassadors left many strategic foreign missions under the supervision of chargés d’affaires and career diplomats serving in acting capacities.
Observers had expressed concern over the prolonged absence of substantive ambassadors in some key capitals, warning that it could affect bilateral relations, investment promotion, and Nigeria’s overall diplomatic influence.
To address the situation, the Presidency forwarded a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. The nominees were subsequently screened in December, clearing the way for the final stage of deployment, which depends on securing agrément from host governments.
With over 25 approvals now secured, the latest announcement signals that the long-awaited process of fully restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad is nearing completion.
Importance of Agrément in Diplomacy
In diplomatic practice, agrément is a standard international procedure through which a receiving state confirms that it accepts a nominated ambassador from another country.
The process usually involves discreet consultations, security checks, and review of the nominee’s background before formal approval is granted. Without agrément, no ambassador can officially be posted to a foreign country.
Experts note that the procedure is essential in maintaining mutual respect and trust between sovereign states, as countries retain the right to reject nominees without publicly stating reasons.
The ministry’s assurance that approvals are arriving steadily suggests that Nigeria’s nominations are being positively received by several partner nations.
Crackdown on Fake Diplomatic Titles
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has raised concern over what it described as the growing trend of individuals and groups unlawfully adopting diplomatic titles and falsely presenting themselves as government representatives.
The ministry warned that anyone found engaging in such activities could face prosecution under Nigerian law.
Ebienfa said the government had observed an increasing number of cases involving unauthorised use of titles such as “Ambassador,” “Diplomatic Envoy,” and related designations, often used to mislead unsuspecting members of the public.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with grave concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups who illegally usurp diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer the same, specifically the title of ‘Ambassador,’ upon themselves or unsuspecting members of the public,” he said.
He stressed that such titles are not recognised unless officially granted through lawful government processes and in line with international diplomatic conventions.
The ministry also listed related offences to include the use of fake diplomatic passports, forged identity materials, and fraudulent conferment of honorary diplomatic ranks.
Protecting Nigeria’s Image Abroad
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to preserving the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service, warning that any act of impersonation or misrepresentation capable of damaging the country’s reputation would not be tolerated.
“The Federal Government remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and will not tolerate any form of misrepresentation that brings the nation to disrepute,” the ministry said.
Analysts say the warning is timely, particularly as the country prepares to deploy a fresh set of ambassadors who will represent Nigeria’s interests in global affairs, trade, security cooperation, and international development partnerships.
Renewed Foreign Policy Momentum
The expected deployment of ambassadors is seen as part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to revitalise Nigeria’s foreign policy and strengthen engagement with strategic allies, regional blocs, and international institutions.
Once posted, the new envoys are expected to focus on attracting investment, promoting trade, supporting Nigerians in the diaspora, and advancing the country’s economic and security interests.
With induction plans concluded and more approvals expected in the coming days, the Federal Government appears set to begin a new phase in its diplomatic outreach after nearly three years of vacancies in several key missions.
