Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has urged the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners designates to embrace a dynamic, results-driven approach to diplomacy as they prepare to represent the country on the global stage.
This charge was delivered at the opening session of an induction programme organised for the envoys in Abuja, where senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives of the legislature gathered to outline expectations for Nigeria’s foreign service.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Senator George Akume urged the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to integrate intelligence and diplomacy as essential tools for advancing Nigeria’s national interests in a complex and rapidly changing global environment.
“You must be prepared for immediate challenges by focusing on the best way to take advantage of the situation to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest on the global stage” he said.
Senator Akume reminded the envoys that today’s operating environment is defined by uncertainty and competing narratives, requiring them to remain well-prepared and proactive.
Intelligence, he noted, provides clarity, while diplomacy translates it into action, together forming a strategic advantage for nations that act with unity and purpose.
Appreciating the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing the programme, the SGF encouraged participants to actively share ideas and insights, noting that the orientation would serve as a solid foundation for successful diplomatic missions, while congratulating the envoys on their appointments.
Read Also: Strategic Diplomacy in Nigeria’s Ambassadorial Appointments
Nigeria Confers Ambassador-in-Situ Titles on 19 Career Diplomats
President Tinubu Approves 65 Ambassadorial Postings, Orders Immediate Induction
In her keynote address, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated the envoys on their appointments, describing their roles as a reflection of the trust and confidence placed in them to advance Nigeria’s interests abroad.
She noted that their responsibilities extend beyond representation to shaping global perceptions of Nigeria and safeguarding national interests in an increasingly complex international system.
“The current global geopolitical landscape resembles a stormy sea with waves springing from every side. We are currently witnessing the resurgence of great power competition, the fragmentation and even dislocation of multilateralism, the rise of non-state actors, climate-induced conflicts, and the weaponisation of trade and technology.”
“Indeed, old alliances are cracking, and new blocs are forming. As very truly said, the only constant in diplomacy is change, but Nigeria’s interest must remain the compass. You will find that some situations will test your resolve, others will evoke your admiration, and a few will try to exploit your challenges. Do not be daunted. Remember that Nigeria, our beloved country, entrusts to you an aspect of its sovereignty which is the sacred duty to speak, negotiate, and represent over 230 million Nigerians with honour, dignity, and excellence” She said
The Minister stressed that modern diplomacy requires agility, innovation, and strategic thinking, urging the envoys to adopt both traditional and digital approaches to effectively communicate Nigeria’s story.
According to her, Nigeria’s foreign policy framework remains anchored on key pillars of the presidential agenda, that is demography, development, diaspora, and democracy, which have been reordered to place citizens at the centre.
She explained that this recalibration is aimed at ensuring that foreign policy delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians at home and abroad.
Intelligence and Diplomacy
Also, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ambassador. Mohammed Mohammed underscored the critical link between intelligence and diplomacy.
He explained that intelligence provides clarity in decision-making, while diplomacy translates insights into action, stressing that both must function as coordinated instruments of national power.
He urged the envoys to be prepared for a challenging operating environment characterised by competing narratives and persistent uncertainty, noting that success would depend on clarity of vision and unity of action.
Representatives of the National Assembly also pledged legislative support to the diplomatic corps.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Abubakar Sani-Bello assured the envoys of continued cooperation, particularly in addressing funding challenges to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s missions abroad.
Similarly, the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke emphasised accountability and adherence to financial regulations.
He reminded the envoys of their personal responsibility in managing public resources and called for careful planning and transparency in all official engagements.
The lawmakers reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening the foreign service, including ongoing efforts to improve institutional frameworks and enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s missions.
The ceremony emphasised the dedication, courage, and a strong sense of purpose among the envoys, as they take on the task of repositioning Nigeria in global affairs.
The three-day event will see the Ambassadors and High Commissioners along with their spouses immersed in the concept and practices of diplomacy before they depart for their countries of assignment.