FG Secures Agrément from Over 25 Countries for Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees, Sets Induction for Deployment as Crackdown Looms on Fake Diplomatic Titles

The Federal Government has announced significant progress in the deployment of Nigeria’s ambassador-designates, revealing that more than 25 host countries have granted agrément to nominees appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The disclosure was made on Friday in Abuja by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, during a media briefing on Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic engagements and foreign policy developments.

According to Ebienfa, the country is now poised to begin the phased deployment of ambassadors to various foreign missions, following the steady receipt of agrément. The formal consent required from host nations before diplomatic postings can be finalized.

He explained that the accreditation process has recorded notable progress, with approvals continuing to arrive from different countries.

“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 further clarified that ambassador-designates who have secured agrément would proceed to their respective countries after completing the induction programme, although a few postings may still depend on final clearances from host governments.

Providing insight into the diplomatic process, he emphasized that agrément represents a critical stage where receiving countries conduct due diligence on nominees before granting formal approval.

“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.”

Addressing concerns over possible rejections by host nations, Ebienfa maintained that no ambassador-designate would be left without a posting, assuring that the ministry has adequate flexibility to reassign nominees where necessary.

“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.”

Since the assumption of office by President Tinubu in 2023, Nigeria experienced a prolonged delay in appointing new ambassadors, leaving several key diplomatic missions without substantive envoys and managed largely by chargés d’affaires.

In a bid to bridge the gap, the Presidency submitted a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. Although the nominees were screened and cleared in December, their final deployment has remained contingent on securing agrément from host countries.

Meanwhile, the ministry has issued a stern warning over the rising incidence of individuals and groups unlawfully parading themselves with diplomatic titles, stressing that such actions constitute criminal offences under Nigerian law.

Ebienfa raised concerns about the misuse of titles such as Ambassador and Diplomatic Envoy, including fraudulent conferment and the circulation of fake diplomatic materials.

“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 the government’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility of Nigeria’s diplomatic system, the ministry warned that offenders would face legal consequences.

“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.”