ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Federal Government on Friday revealed that more than 25 of the 65 ambassador-designates appointed by President Bola Tinubu have obtained their agrément.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in Abuja while addressing journalists on recent developments and Nigeria’s diplomatic activities.
Ebienfa stated that Nigeria is preparing to begin the deployment of ambassadors to foreign missions following the receipt of agrément from over 25 host countries, noting that considerable progress has been achieved in the accreditation process required before envoys can be posted abroad.
He said, “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.
“Plans have been concluded for a three-day induction programme from the 27th to the 29th of this month, noting that deployment would begin immediately after the exercise.”
He added that ambassadors who have secured agrément will proceed to their respective postings after the induction, although some missions may still be awaiting final clearances.
Ebienfa explained that agrément refers to the formal approval granted by receiving countries after conducting due diligence on Nigeria’s nominees.
According to him, “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.
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“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.”
Responding to questions about whether any ambassador-designates had been rejected by host countries, Ebienfa assured that all nominees would eventually be assigned postings.
“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.
“Out of the 65 ambassadors designated, we have over seventy plus embassies, so it is not every slot that is filled already, so 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.”
Following Tinubu’s assumption of office in 2023, ambassadorial appointments were delayed, leaving several key diplomatic positions vacant and largely managed by chargés d’affaires.
To bridge the gap, the Presidency submitted a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. Although the nominees were screened in December, their deployment remains dependent on receiving agrément from host countries.
Meanwhile, the ministry has raised concerns over the increasing trend of individuals and groups unlawfully adopting diplomatic titles, warning that such actions could lead to prosecution.
It stressed that the unauthorised use of titles like Ambassador and Diplomatic Envoy, the fraudulent conferment of such titles, and the use of fake diplomatic materials are offences.
Ebienfa said, “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. Such titles are not recognised under Nigerian laws or relevant international conventions.”
Reaffirming its position, the ministry said, “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.”