President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to work towards improving the country’s global image.
He also urged them to pursue foreign investments and strengthen strategic partnerships.
He gave the charge on Monday at the opening of an induction course for the envoys, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, the President said their appointments reflected the administration’s confidence in their ability to advance Nigeria’s interests on the international stage.
A statement by the SGF’s Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, read, ‘ President Tinubu charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments, strengthen strategic partnerships and reposition the country’s global image in line with evolving diplomatic realities’.
President Tinubu noted that the global system was undergoing rapid transformation driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic uncertainties, technological disruptions, climate challenges and emerging security threats.
According to him, these developments made the role of diplomats more critical than ever, stressing the need for envoys to adopt modern, results-oriented approaches to diplomacy.
‘The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest’, President Tinubu said.
He urged the envoys to combine traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public diplomacy and strategic communication, while projecting Nigeria’s achievements under his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The President also emphasised the importance of telling Nigeria’s story in a credible and compelling manner to reshape global perceptions.
President Tinubu further called on the envoys to be proactive and innovative in fostering partnerships, promoting trade and attracting foreign direct investment and technology to the country.
He added that safeguarding the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora must remain a top priority for all missions.
In what he described as a policy shift, the President announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine.
Originally anchored on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, President Tinubu said the priorities have now been rearranged to Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
He explained that the adjustment places Nigerians at the centre of foreign policy and aims to ensure that international engagements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
‘This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit’, he said.
President Tinubu stressed the need for professionalism, integrity and patriotism in the conduct of diplomatic duties, noting that envoys served as both representatives of government and custodians of Nigeria’s image abroad.
He also underscored the importance of accountability, urging missions to be result-driven and prudent in resource management, with clear and measurable goals that contribute to national development.
The President encouraged participants to take full advantage of the induction programme, describing it as essential for equipping them with the skills required for effective diplomatic service in a rapidly changing world.
He commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nominees and urged the envoys to justify the confidence reposed in them.
‘You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching’, President Tinubu concluded.
Speaking at the opening session of the induction course, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, emphasised the critical role of diplomats in shaping Nigeria’s international perception and advancing national interests.
She noted that while Nigeria had been bedevilled by numerous challenges, including insecurity, resource mobilisation and infrastructure deficits, ambassadors must not conceal these realities but rather draw constructive international attention to them.
She said, ‘Locally, our nation faces genuine challenges of insecurity, resource mobilisation, and infrastructure development.
‘Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership by amplifying the true picture that, despite these obstacles, this government’s commitment to resolving them remains unparalleled and consistent’.
Highlighting operational challenges, particularly funding constraints, the minister called for prudence and innovation in the discharge of duties.
‘One challenge you will inevitably encounter at post is funding. You will find that, whereas your task is vast, the resources placed at your disposal are scarce.
‘A lean budget, however, is not a license for failure; it is a call for prudency and ingenuity.
‘We therefore look forward to your cooperation, to ensure improvement on all fronts, because Nigeria has entrusted you with its sovereignty, and sovereignty, even when poorly funded, must be exercised with excellence’, she stated.
The minister also underscored the importance of protecting the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora, strengthening bilateral and multilateral relations, and maintaining the highest standard.
She further reminded the envoys that diplomatic immunity did not excuse misconduct, urging them to uphold transparency, discipline and adherence to established procedures in managing public resources.
The induction programme, she noted, would expose participants to key frameworks guiding diplomacy, including international conventions, regional protocols and Nigeria’s engagements on global platforms.
