THE Federal Government has announced plans to commence the deployment of Nigeria’s ambassadors to foreign missions following the receipt of more than 25 diplomatic approvals from host countries, marking a significant step in restoring the country’s full diplomatic presence abroad.
News Point Nigeria reports that the disclosure was made on Friday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, during a media briefing on current developments within the ministry.
According to him, the government has recorded notable progress in the accreditation process required before ambassador-designates can be posted to their respective countries of assignment.
“We have received more than 25 agreements from countries where ambassador-designates have been sent, and plans have been concluded for a three-day induction programme from the 27th to the 29th of this month,” Ebienfa said.
He added that the deployment of the envoys would commence immediately after the completion of the induction exercise.
Ebienfa explained that the agreements received from host countries represent formal diplomatic consent, granted after due diligence has been conducted on Nigeria’s nominees.
“Once the agreement 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,” he stated.
He further noted that ambassadors who have secured the necessary approvals would proceed to their respective postings after the induction, although some missions may still be pending final clearances.
Meanwhile, the ministry raised concerns over what it described as a growing trend of individuals falsely presenting themselves as ambassadors, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity.
“The ministry has observed with concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and groups who illegally assume diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer such on unsuspecting members of the public,” Ebienfa said.
He emphasised that only the President of Nigeria has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any contrary claim amounts to impersonation.
The ministry’s warning comes amid efforts to streamline Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and ensure that only duly accredited representatives speak and act on behalf of the country in foreign missions.
