Nigeria completes deployment of envoys to UK, France, UN after diplomatic clearance

The Federal Government has completed the formal process to send Nigerian envoys to key international destinations, including the UK, France and the UN, after receiving approval from the host countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu handed over a Letter of Credence on behalf of President Bola Tinubu officially advancing the accreditation of the diplomats.

The affected envoys are Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu to the UK, Ambassador Ayodele Oke to France, and Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

Describing the development as an important diplomatic milestone, Odumegwu-Ojukwu noted that the official handover ceremony authorized the ambassadors to commence their duties at their respective posts.

The statement read, “I am honored to present the Letter of Credence on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Nigerian Ambassador,” he said.

He explained that Letters of Credence—also known as Letters of Commission—serve as official communications between heads of state, introducing and accrediting ambassadors in the host country.

According to him, the document empowers envoys to represent Nigeria’s interests and seek recognition from recipient countries.

Also read: Former Kano Governor, Kabiru Gaya, Resigns from APC, Gives Reasons

He added, “A Letter of Confidence is a formal, physical letter issued by a head of state or head of government to the head of another state, introducing a newly appointed ambassador or high commissioner and formally accrediting a diplomat to a foreign country, authorizing them to represent the interests of their home country and act on its behalf, and requesting the host country to bestow ‘trust’ (trust) in the representative.”

The Minister congratulated the ambassadors and wished them success in carrying out their duties abroad.

President Tinubu had previously approved the posting of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners on March 7, 2026, following their confirmation by the Senate in December 2025 after screening by the Foreign Affairs Committee.

So far, 10 potential diplomats have received approval — the formal approval required from the host country before diplomats can take office.

The Federal Government recently confirmed that several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Ireland, Qatar, Benin Republic, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal, and Sierra Leone, have given approval.

“Responses from other countries are still awaited,” the statement added.