FG Charges New Envoys to Boost Investment, Protect Nigerians Overseas

By Iyojo Ameh

The Federal Government has commenced the induction of newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners-designate in Abuja, with a directive for them to focus on attracting foreign investment, strengthening diplomatic ties and protecting Nigerians in the diaspora.

The exercise, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is intended to prepare the envoys for their assignments by exposing them to Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic protocols, mission administration and consular responsibilities before deployment.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the appointments signified the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reminded them that they would serve as the nation’s face and voice in their respective countries of posting.

She urged the diplomats to align their work with the administration’s foreign policy agenda built around Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, stressing that Nigeria’s missions abroad must become stronger platforms for economic diplomacy.

According to her, ambassadors must take the lead in promoting trade, tourism and foreign direct investment, while helping to create partnerships that support Nigeria’s economic diversification and development goals.

She also underscored the importance of efficient consular services, saying Nigerians living abroad should feel government presence through prompt intervention, emergency support and regular engagement from diplomatic missions.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu warned that diplomatic privilege should never be abused, insisting that all envoys must uphold discipline, professionalism, integrity and accountability in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of President Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume described the appointments as a sacred national assignment and urged the envoys to pursue measurable results that would improve Nigeria’s international image.

He said the administration had repositioned the country’s foreign policy to prioritise national development and citizens’ welfare, while advising the diplomats to respect the laws and cultural values of their host nations.

Members of the National Assembly also assured the new envoys of legislative support, while calling for transparency, accountability and prudent management of resources in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

The induction programme will continue with technical sessions on diplomatic practice, protocol, multilateral engagement, security coordination, consular affairs and mission management.