The Federal Government on Friday disclosed that of the 65 ambassador-designates appointed by President Bola Tinubu, over 25 have secured their agrément.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, made the disclosure in Abuja while briefing journalists on current developments and Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
Ebienfa noted that Nigeria is set to commence the deployment of ambassadors to foreign missions following the receipt of agrément from more than 25 host countries.
Adding that significant progress had been made in the accreditation process required before envoys are posted abroad.
He said, “We have received agreements from over 25 countries where ambassador-designates have been sent. We are receiving agreements every day, and before the date of induction, we will receive even more.
“Plans have been concluded for a three-day induction programme from the 27th to the 29th of this month, noting that deployment would begin immediately after the exercise.”
He added that ambassadors who have secured agrément would proceed to their respective postings after the induction, although some missions may still await final clearances.
Ebienfa explained that the agreements, known as agrément, represent formal consent from receiving countries after due diligence on Nigeria’s nominees.
According to him, “Once the agrément is granted, the ministry proceeds with induction, where ambassadors and, where applicable, their spouses are exposed to the principles of diplomacy, conduct in host countries, and the expectations of the President.
“We are going to talk to them about how to conduct themselves, how to host official engagements, how to advertise the country very well, for our own benefits.”
Responding to inquiries on ambassador-designates who may have been rejected by host countries, Ebienfa said no nominee would be left without a posting at the end of the process.
“Whether any ambassadors have been rejected or not, foreign affairs will not come and tell the public about it. What we will ensure is that all ambassadors will have countries that they will serve in.
“Out of the 65 ambassadors designated, we have over seventy plus embassies, so it is not every slot that is filled already, so even if someone is rejected by country A, there is the possibility that they will be accepted in Country B. So that is what the ministry is working with.”
Following the assumption of office by Tinubu in 2023, there was a delay in fresh ambassadorial appointments, leaving key diplomatic posts vacant and relying largely on chargés d’affaires to manage missions.
To address the gap, 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, the ministry has raised the alarm over the growing trend of individuals and groups illegally assuming diplomatic titles, warning that offenders risk prosecution.
The ministry stressed that the unauthorised use of such titles is an offence, listing violations to include the unauthorised use of titles such as Ambassador and Diplomatic Envoy, fraudulent conferment of such titles, and the use of fake diplomatic materials.
Ebienfa said, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with grave concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups who illegally usurp diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer the same, specifically the title of ‘Ambassador,’ upon themselves or unsuspecting members of the public. Such titles are not recognised under Nigerian laws or relevant international conventions.”
Reaffirming its stance, the ministry said, “The Federal Government remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and will not tolerate any form of misrepresentation that brings the nation to disrepute.”
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