FG inducts, charges ambassadors-designate to secure partnership, amplify true picture of Nigeria
The Federal Government has charged the ambassadors-designate to secure partnership with the countries they are posted to. Besides, the ambassadors and High Commissioner-designate were also charged on the need to
The Federal Government has charged the ambassadors-designate to secure partnership with the countries they are posted to.
Besides, the ambassadors and High Commissioner-designate were also charged on the need to amplify the true picture about happenings in Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu gave the charge at the opening of the inductions of the ambassadors and and High Commissioners-designate on Monday in Abuja.
The induction is part of efforts to prepare and bring them up to speed with their responsibilities and conducts in their diplomatic assignments.
The programme, which is for the diplomats and their spouses, according to a statement by the ministry of Foreign Affairs is designed to deepen the envoys’ understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic practice, mission administration, consular responsibilities, and the expectations of the Federal Government.
The statement which was signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa quoted the Minister to have urged the envoys to promote Nigeria’s national interests in line with the administration’s foreign policy thrust.
She also added, “Locally, our nation faces genuine challenges of insecurity, resource mobilization, and infrastructure development. Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership by amplifying the true picture that, despite these obstacles, this government's commitment to resolving them remains unparalleled and consistent.”
She further charged them to advance economic diplomacy, attract foreign direct investment, promote trade and tourism, and support Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
She also emphasised the importance of consular responsibility, stating that Nigerians in the diaspora must feel the presence, responsiveness, and protection of their government through Nigerian missions abroad, and added that prompt consular services, effective crisis response, and sustained engagement with Nigerian communities must remain central to mission activities.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu further called for professionalism, discipline, integrity, prudence, and accountability in the management of Nigerian missions, noting that diplomatic privilege must never be misunderstood as a licence for misconduct.
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She also reminded them that as the country’s principal representatives abroad, “you carry the weight of our nation's image, interests, and aspirations. You are not merely envoys; you are the face, voice, and strategic agents of Nigeria in your respective countries of accreditation. Your actions, decisions, and engagements will shape perceptions about Nigeria and influence the strength of our bilateral and multilateral relations.”
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, described their appointments as a sacred national responsibility.
Akume stated that Nigeria’s foreign policy direction had been repositioned to place the Nigerian people at the centre of diplomatic engagement. He charged the envoys to ensure that their assignments produce tangible benefits for citizens, strengthen national development, enhance Nigeria’s global standing, and advance the country’s strategic interests.
He urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, patriotism, discipline, respect for the laws and cultures of host countries, and unwavering loyalty to Nigeria.
The induction programme is expected to continue with technical sessions covering key aspects of diplomatic practice, mission management, protocol, consular affairs, multilateral engagement, economic diplomacy, security coordination, and the role of spouses in diplomatic service.
