By Chibuike Nkwede
The Federal Government has concluded arrangements for a three-day induction programme for ambassador-designates, as part of final preparations for their deployment to Nigeria’s foreign missions.
This follows the receipt of more than 25 diplomatic agreements from host countries, granting formal approval for the nominated envoys.
Briefing journalists on Friday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said significant progress had been made in the accreditation process required before ambassadors can assume duties abroad.
According to him, the induction programme is scheduled to hold from the 27th to the 29th of this month, after which deployment will commence immediately.
He explained that the diplomatic agreements received from host countries represent official consent, issued after due diligence has been conducted on Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees.
Ebienfa noted that the induction exercise is designed to equip the envoys—and where applicable, their spouses—with essential knowledge on diplomatic conduct, expectations in host countries, and the policy direction of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He added that ambassadors who have secured the necessary approvals will proceed to their respective postings after the programme, while a few others may await final clearances.
Meanwhile, the ministry has raised concerns over the increasing trend of individuals falsely presenting themselves as ambassadors, describing the development as a serious threat to Nigeria’s diplomatic integrity.
Ebienfa warned that only the President has the constitutional authority to appoint and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any contrary claim amounts to impersonation and will not be tolerated.