Nigeria Secures Diplomatic Clearance for Envoys as Key Countries Grant Agrément

The Federal Government has recorded progress in its efforts to restore full diplomatic representation abroad, with several countries, including the United Kingdom, France and United States, granting agrément to Nigeria’s ambassadorial nominees.

The confirmation was made on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who disclosed that at least ten countries have so far approved Nigeria’s nominees.

Other countries that have granted consent include Ireland, Qatar, Benin, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal and Sierra Leone.

Agrément, a key diplomatic requirement, is the formal approval granted by a host country before an ambassador-designate can assume office. Without it, nominees cannot be deployed, making the process a critical step in diplomatic appointments.

The development follows a prolonged period during which Nigeria operated without substantive ambassadors in many foreign missions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Since assuming office in May 2023, the administration had relied largely on chargés d’affaires to manage key diplomatic posts, a situation that drew concern from foreign policy experts.

Analysts had warned that the absence of ambassadors could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, limit high-level engagements and affect bilateral relations, especially with strategic partners.

In response, 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 has depended on securing agrément from host nations.

Officials say responses from additional countries are still being awaited, while preparations are ongoing for the formal induction of the envoys once all approvals are secured.

However, the process has not been without challenges. Some countries, including India, have reportedly declined to accept certain nominees, citing diplomatic policies related to the tenure of the sending government.

The latest approvals are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations and restore full diplomatic engagement across key global capitals.

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