UK, US, France among nations approving Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees
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 progress in efforts to fill
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 progress in efforts to fill long-vacant diplomatic positions.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday, revealing that Nigeria has so far secured approvals from 10 countries.
Agrément refers to the formal consent given by a host country to accept a diplomat nominated by another nation, a key requirement before an ambassador can officially assume duty.
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According to the ministry, other countries that have granted approval include Ireland, Qatar, Benin, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal and Sierra Leone.
“Responses from other countries are still being awaited,” the statement added.
Ebienfa explained that the process of securing agrément remains ongoing, noting that the date for the induction ceremony of the envoys will be announced once finalised and approved 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 said.
The development follows a prolonged period during which Nigeria operated without substantive ambassadors in several foreign missions under Bola Tinubu.
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Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu has delayed fresh ambassadorial appointments, leaving key diplomatic posts vacant and relying largely on chargés d’affaires to manage missions.
The absence of ambassadors had drawn criticism from stakeholders, who warned that it could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and bilateral relations, particularly in strategic countries.
In response, 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 subject to receiving agrément from host countries.
Meanwhile, some countries, including India, have reportedly declined to accept certain nominees, citing diplomatic policies that discourage receiving envoys from administrations with less than two years remaining in office.
