65 of 69 Nigerian envoys cleared by host countries, Foreign Affairs Ministry says

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says 65 of the 69 ambassadorial nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu have received approval from their host countries, describing the process as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the approvals represent a 97 per cent acceptance rate, adding that the deployment of the envoys has progressed smoothly.

According to the ministry, two of the outstanding appointments are the result of unforeseen circumstances rather than diplomatic setbacks.

Ebienfa said Grace Bent, the ambassador-designate to Togo, declined the appointment, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Algeria, died in April before assuming office.

Lele died on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey, after a prolonged illness. The ministry said the process of appointing a replacement is already underway.

The spokesperson did not identify the remaining two countries yet to grant agrément for Nigeria’s nominees. However, they are understood to be Japan and Mexico, where Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa and Reno Omokri, respectively, have been nominated as ambassadors.

Ebienfa said both countries had assured Nigeria that approval for the appointments would be granted in due course.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international stakeholders that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding Agreements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement said.

He added that most of the approved ambassadors have already arrived in their host countries and presented their letters of credence, formally commencing their duties as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representatives.