The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is set to commence the formal induction of newly appointed envoys on April 26, 2026.
A source within the Ministry confirmed that the induction programme will run from April 26 to April 29, 2026, marking a significant step toward strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad.
According to the source, all designated host countries have issued agrément—the formal consent required before a diplomat can assume duty—clearing the way for the envoys’ eventual deployment.
This development comes after a prolonged delay in the appointment of ambassadors under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during which several Nigerian missions abroad have operated without substantive heads since May 2023.
In the interim, many embassies and high commissions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires, a temporary arrangement that has raised concerns among stakeholders about its potential impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness and global engagement.
To address the gap, the Presidency submitted a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly in late 2025. Although the nominees were screened in December, their deployment remained contingent on obtaining agrément from their respective host countries—a process that now appears to have been completed.
Former First Lady of Imo State, Barr. Mrs. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim, former Governor of Abia State Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, former Governor of Enugu State Rt. Hon.Ifeanyi Lawrence Ugwuanyi, former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmud Yakubu, former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode are among Nigeria’s newly designated ambassadors as the Federal Government prepares to formally induct its envoys ahead of deployment.
