The Federal Government has confirmed that several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, have granted agrément to Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees, marking a significant step toward filling long-standing diplomatic vacancies.
This development was disclosed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement issued on Monday. According to him, Nigeria has so far received approvals from ten countries.
“Agrément” refers to the formal consent given by a host country to accept a diplomat nominated by another nation. Without it, an ambassador cannot officially assume duty.
The ministry listed other countries that have approved Nigeria’s nominees to include Ireland, Qatar, Benin, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
“Responses from other countries are still being awaited,” the statement noted, indicating that the diplomatic process is ongoing.
Ebienfa further explained that the induction ceremony for the envoys would be announced once all approvals are finalised and confirmed by the Presidency.
“The date for the induction ceremony will be announced in due course once it is finalised and confirmed by the Presidency,” he added.
The progress comes after a prolonged period during which Nigeria operated without substantive ambassadors in several foreign missions under Bola Tinubu.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu had delayed appointing new ambassadors, leaving key diplomatic positions vacant and relying largely on chargés d’affaires to manage missions.
This absence had drawn criticism from stakeholders, who warned it could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and bilateral relations, especially with strategic partners.
To address the situation, the Presidency forwarded 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 securing agreement from host countries.
Meanwhile, some nations, including India, have declined to accept certain nominees, citing diplomatic policies that discourage receiving envoys from administrations with less than two years remaining in office.
What you should know
Nigeria’s progress in securing agrément from key global partners signals a potential end to the prolonged absence of ambassadors in major foreign missions.
This development is crucial for strengthening diplomatic relations, improving international representation, and enhancing bilateral cooperation. However, delays and rejections from some countries highlight the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly when political timelines influence decisions.
The eventual deployment of ambassadors is expected to restore Nigeria’s full diplomatic presence globally.
