97% of Tinubu’s ambassador-designates cleared by host countries — FG

The Federal Government on Saturday disclosed that 97 per cent of the ambassadors appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu have received the approval of their host countries, paving the way for them to assume their diplomatic responsibilities.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said 65 of the 69 ambassadors-designate nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate have so far secured the required diplomatic agreement (agrément) from their respective host countries, while only two approvals remain outstanding.

The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, in Abuja.

According to the ministry, the process of seeking and obtaining agrément has progressed smoothly and in line with established international diplomatic practice.

It explained that one of the ambassadors-designate assigned to the Republic of Togo declined the appointment, resulting in the request for agrément not being submitted, while the ambassador-designate to Algeria died in April 2026, with the process of appointing a replacement already underway.

The ministry said only two countries are yet to communicate their formal acceptance of Nigeria’s ambassadors-designate but noted that both governments have assured Nigeria that their consent would be granted in due course.

It added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and remains confident that the outstanding agréments will be received soon.

The ministry further disclosed that the majority of the newly appointed ambassadors have already arrived in their host countries and presented their Letters of Credence, officially commencing their duties as President Tinubu’s principal diplomatic representatives.

It reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad in pursuit of the country’s foreign policy objectives and national interest.