Tinubu (left) noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy would guide its active engagements with the global community for mutual benefits.
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s solidarity with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations affected during the recent escalation involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
The President said Nigeria stands firmly for peace, stability, and diplomatic engagement, stressing that global harmony remains essential in a period marked by rising geopolitical uncertainty.
Tinubu made the remarks at the State House in Abuja while receiving letters of credence from seven newly appointed ambassadors and two high commissioners representing countries from the Middle East, Africa, and South America.
According to a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President used the occasion to express concern over recent hostilities in the Gulf region and to reassure affected nations of Nigeria’s support.
Nigeria Declares Solidarity With Gulf Nations
Addressing the diplomats, President Tinubu extended Nigeria’s solidarity to countries impacted by the regional crisis, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan.
He praised the governments of the affected countries for what he described as their resilience, maturity, and restraint despite heightened tensions.
According to Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to promoting peace not only in Africa but across the world.
He stated that the international community urgently needs tranquillity, dialogue, and mutual respect, adding that nations must work together to prevent further instability.
The President noted that Nigeria shares in the concerns of the Gulf states and supports all peaceful efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region.
Reception of New Diplomats in Abuja
The statement said President Tinubu received letters of credence from several diplomats newly assigned to Nigeria.
Among them were:
- Yousef Mohammed Ahmed Mohammed Al-Hail
- Yousef Bin Mohammed Albalawi
- Wissam Kalakeche
- Mohammed Abdelaal Haroun
- Walda Natangwe Ndevashiya
- Moses Rugema
- Mohamed Osman Mohamed
- Nicolas Perazzo Naon
- Moyongo Dieudonne
Tinubu described the presentation of credentials as an important diplomatic tradition that symbolises trust, partnership, and continuity in bilateral relations.
He congratulated the envoys on their appointments and asked them to convey his warm greetings and best wishes to their respective heads of state and governments.
Nigeria Seeks Stronger Bilateral Relations
President Tinubu said Nigeria values the bonds of friendship it shares with the represented countries and remains committed to strengthening those ties for mutual prosperity.
He said the Federal Government is eager to deepen cooperation in trade, education, technology, agriculture, energy, infrastructure, and cultural exchange.
According to him, diplomacy should produce practical benefits for citizens, including investment opportunities, job creation, knowledge transfer, and people-to-people relations.
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria is open to broader strategic partnerships with countries willing to engage constructively.
Nigeria Open for Investment
The President told the diplomats that they were arriving in Nigeria at a significant stage in the country’s development.
He said his administration is implementing bold economic reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria as a globally competitive destination for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth.
Tinubu urged the envoys to see Nigeria not only as Africa’s most populous country but also as a dynamic market with vast opportunities.
He highlighted Nigeria’s youthful population, entrepreneurial culture, expanding digital economy, and strategic location as key strengths for international investors.
The President encouraged the diplomats to help connect their home countries with
investment opportunities in sectors such as:
- Manufacturing
- Renewable energy
- Agriculture
- Technology
- Transport infrastructure
- Solid minerals
- HealthcareEducation
He added that Nigeria welcomes partnerships based on fairness, mutual respect, and long-term value creation.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s foreign policy would guide its active engagements with the global community for mutual benefits.
Foreign Policy Anchored on Mutual Benefit
Tinubu said Nigeria’s foreign policy remains active, strategic, and guided by national interest while supporting international peace and cooperation.
He explained that Nigeria seeks global partnerships that can help harness the potential of its youthful population, develop infrastructure, strengthen democracy, and improve economic productivity.
He also noted the importance of diaspora engagement, saying Nigerians living abroad contribute significantly to national development and represent a bridge to deeper global cooperation.
According to him, Nigeria wants stronger ties with friendly nations in ways that create opportunities for both sides.
Commitment to Regional Security and ECOWAS
President Tinubu also used the occasion to restate Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and constitutional order in West Africa.
He said Nigeria remains conscious of its responsibilities within the sub-region and continues to support the principles and protocols of the Economic Community of West African States.
Tinubu stressed that defending democratic governance, promoting economic integration, and stabilising the Sahel region are priorities that no country can achieve alone.
He said cooperation among African nations and global partners remains essential in tackling insecurity, political instability, and humanitarian crises.
The President noted that Nigeria is ready to work closely with friendly countries in addressing transnational threats such as terrorism, arms trafficking, organised crime, and illegal migration.
Addressing Global Challenges Together
President Tinubu said today’s world faces multiple overlapping crises that require collective action.
He listed some of the major issues confronting the international community as:
- Changing global power dynamics
- Climate change
- Energy transition pressures
- Counter-terrorism needs
- Economic inequality
- Global financial system reforms
He said Nigeria stands ready to work bilaterally and through multilateral institutions to advocate for a fairer and more secure world order.
According to the President, no nation can successfully confront today’s challenges in isolation.
He stressed the importance of diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and shared responsibility.
Assurance to Diplomats
Tinubu assured the envoys that Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and all relevant government agencies have been directed to provide them with full cooperation throughout their assignments.
He personally pledged the support of his administration to ensure the success of their diplomatic missions.
The President also encouraged the diplomats to travel across Nigeria beyond Abuja in order to better understand the country’s diversity and opportunities.
He urged them to experience Nigeria’s cultural richness, entrepreneurial spirit, hospitality, and social dynamism.
According to him, understanding the people and regions of Nigeria would help strengthen diplomatic and commercial engagement.
Response From the Diplomatic Corps
Speaking on behalf of the newly accredited envoys, the ambassador of Qatar thanked President Tinubu for receiving them at the Presidential Villa.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to maintaining excellent relations with Nigeria and pledged that all the diplomats would work to deepen cooperation between their countries and Nigeria.
The envoy also expressed appreciation for Nigeria’s role in Africa and its growing importance in international diplomacy.
Significance of Tinubu’s Message
The President’s remarks come at a time when tensions in the Middle East continue to affect global markets, energy prices, and international security calculations.
Nigeria’s expression of solidarity with Gulf states signals a diplomatic position rooted in peace, stability, and support for dialogue.
Analysts say the statement also reflects Nigeria’s desire to strengthen ties with Gulf economies, many of which are major investors and strategic players in global energy markets.
At the same time, Tinubu’s emphasis on investment and reform underscores efforts to attract international capital into Nigeria’s economy.
