The Federal Government has announced that more than 25 out of the 65 ambassadorial nominees put forward by President Bola Tinubu have so far secured agrément from their respective host nations, clearing the way for their eventual deployment.
This update was provided on Friday in Abuja by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a media briefing on Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic activities.
According to him, the process of obtaining approval from receiving countries is progressing steadily, with additional responses expected in the coming days.
He revealed that arrangements have been finalized for a three-day induction programme scheduled to hold from the 27th to the 29th of this month.
Following the exercise, ambassadors who have received the required approvals will be posted to their designated countries, while others may still be awaiting final clearance.
“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.”
Ebienfa explained that agrément represents the formal consent granted by host countries after reviewing and vetting nominees.
He added that the induction programme will prepare the envoys for their assignments by exposing them—and in some cases their spouses—to diplomatic protocols, expected conduct, and strategies for representing Nigeria effectively abroad.
“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.
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“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.”
On concerns about possible rejection of some nominees by host nations, Ebienfa maintained that every ambassador-designate would ultimately be assigned a posting, noting that Nigeria has more diplomatic missions than nominees.
“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 ambassador designates will have countries that they will serve in.
“Out of the 65 ambassadors-designate, we have over seventy plus embassies, so it is not every slot that is filled already, so even if someone is rejected by country, there is the possibility that they will be accepted in Country B. So that is what the ministry is working with,” he said.
The ministry also raised alarm over the growing misuse of diplomatic titles, describing the trend as illegal and punishable under the law.
Ebienfa said authorities have observed an increase in individuals and groups falsely claiming ambassadorial status or issuing fake diplomatic credentials.
“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 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,” he said.
He stressed that only the President is constitutionally empowered to appoint and accredit ambassadors, adding that security agencies have been instructed to apprehend and prosecute offenders.
Since 2023, many of Nigeria’s foreign missions have operated without substantive ambassadors, relying instead on chargés d’affaires.
In 2025, the President forwarded a list of 65 nominees to the National Assembly, with their eventual postings dependent on approval from host countries.