Nigeria Advances Diplomatic Postings with 33 Envoys Cleared

• 33 Ambassadors Out Of 65 Secure Agrément, 32 Pending – FG

ABUJA, NIGERIA — Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery received a significant boost as 33 out of the 65 ambassadors and high commissioners-designate nominated by President Bola Tinubu have now secured agrément from their host countries.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa confirmed the updated figure, noting that the number of cleared envoys has risen from over 25 recorded on April 17 to 33 currently.

“Thirty-three ambassadors have now secured agréments from host countries,” Ebienfa said.

The envoys are currently undergoing an induction programme in Abuja, which began on Monday and is expected to conclude on Wednesday. According to Ebienfa, those who have received approval will proceed to their respective missions immediately after the induction.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, while addressing the opening session of the induction course, charged the new diplomats to project Nigeria’s image positively even as they operate with limited resources amid complex global realities.

She stressed the importance of their role in shaping international perception and advancing the country’s interests.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu acknowledged the nation’s challenges, including insecurity, difficulties in resource mobilisation, and infrastructure deficits, but urged the ambassadors not to conceal these issues.

Instead, she said they should highlight the government’s strong commitment to addressing them in order to attract constructive international attention and partnerships.

“Despite these obstacles, this government’s commitment to resolving them remains unparalleled and consistent,” she added.

NaijaChoice News understands that the induction programme is designed to equip both career and non-career envoys with the necessary tools to effectively represent Nigeria abroad.

However, the process has not been without setbacks. One of the nominees, career diplomat Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who was designated for Algeria, passed away on April 23.

Concerns have also been raised over possible delays or outright denial of agrément for some nominees, largely due to the late timing of their appointments.

President Tinubu assumed office in 2023, but the delayed nomination and confirmation process left many Nigerian missions without substantive heads for extended periods, forcing them to rely on chargés d’affaires.

The list of 65 nominees was eventually forwarded to the National Assembly in late 2025 and screened in December, leaving limited time for host countries to complete necessary due diligence.

Agrément is the formal consent granted by receiving states after thorough background checks on nominated diplomats.

As the cleared envoys prepare to take up their posts, the development marks a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s global diplomatic presence at a time when effective representation is vital for economic diplomacy, security cooperation, and national image-building.

The successful deployment of these ambassadors will be closely watched as Nigeria seeks to reposition itself on the international stage.