The Federal Government has announced that the vast majority of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees have secured the approval of their respective host countries, disclosing that 65 out of the 69 designated envoys have successfully obtained diplomatic clearance to assume their assignments.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the accreditation process has advanced significantly, with 97 per cent of the nominees receiving agrément—the formal approval required from a host nation before an ambassador can be officially posted.
The ministry made the clarification on Saturday in a statement issued in Abuja by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, while responding to concerns over the pace of the accreditation process.
It stated: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the public and the international community that 97 per cent of the ambassadors appointed by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have successfully received the Agreement (Agrément) of their respective host countries.”
The ministry explained that President Tinubu had nominated 69 ambassadors-designate for diplomatic assignments after they were screened and confirmed by the Senate.
Of that number, it said, 65 have already secured the mandatory consent of their receiving countries.
The ministry also explained why four postings remain unresolved.
According to the statement, the ambassador-designate assigned to Togo voluntarily declined the appointment before Nigeria formally sought agrément from the host country.
It further disclosed that the ambassador-designate to Algeria died in April 2026, prompting the commencement of the process to appoint a replacement.
With those two developments accounted for, the ministry said only two countries are yet to communicate their formal acceptance of Nigeria’s nominees.
The statement added: “Therefore, there are only two countries pending that the ministry is yet to receive confirmation of acceptance/Agreement. However, assurances have been received from the two friendly countries that their consent would be given in due course.”
The Federal Government expressed confidence that the remaining approvals would be secured soon, noting that diplomatic engagements with the relevant authorities in the affected countries were continuing.
The ministry further revealed that most of the newly appointed ambassadors have already arrived at their duty posts and formally presented their Letters of Credence to the heads of state of their respective host nations, enabling them to begin official diplomatic responsibilities on behalf of Nigeria.
Reaffirming its commitment to an active and effective foreign policy, the ministry said the Tinubu administration remains focused on strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence across the world to advance the country’s strategic interests, deepen bilateral relations and promote national development through international cooperation.
(Ripples)