The Federal Government has deployed 11 newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners to key diplomatic missions across the world as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and advance economic diplomacy.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, presented Letters of Credence to the envoys ahead of their departure, charging them to promote Nigeria’s national interests and project the country’s image positively abroad.
Among those deployed are Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode to South Africa, Ambassador Jane Adams Bassey to Jamaica, Ambassador Samuel Abimbola Tolulope to Italy and Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok-Ete Ekwe (Rtd) to the Philippines.
Other ambassadors and high commissioners have been posted to Gabon, Sudan, Malaysia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Hungary and India, with some receiving concurrent accreditation to additional countries.
Enikanolaiye said the appointments align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on a foreign policy that supports national development, economic growth and citizen-centred diplomacy.
He urged the envoys to focus on attracting foreign direct investment, expanding trade opportunities, protecting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad and strengthening bilateral relations with their host countries.
The minister also announced that each Head of Mission would receive a customised Station Charter containing specific performance targets and would undergo annual performance evaluations to ensure accountability and measurable results.
Responding on behalf of the envoys, Vice Admiral Ibas Ibok-Ete Ekwe (Rtd) pledged their commitment to upholding Nigeria’s image, protecting the country’s interests and faithfully implementing the foreign policy objectives of the Tinubu administration.
