Bukola Afeni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured newly accredited foreign envoys of Nigeria’s readiness to deepen diplomatic, economic and security cooperation with the international community.
The President gave the assurance after receiving Letters of Credence from 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information Strategy, President Tinubu urged the diplomats to engage closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs across all areas of mutual interest, emphasising that his administration operates an open-door policy.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House,” the President said. “Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to expand cooperation and partnership in areas of mutual interest.”
Tinubu noted that his administration remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, accelerating economic reforms and creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation and sustainable development.
“We encourage deeper engagements with Nigeria in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence cooperation and cultural exchange,” he stated.
Referencing ongoing global challenges — from security threats and climate pressures to economic instability — the President said Nigeria is prepared to work collaboratively with international partners to promote peace, stability and prosperity.
“As you begin your duty as partners, I assure you of the fullest cooperation of the government of Nigeria. My doors remain open for constructive engagements, and I trust your tenure in Nigeria will be productive,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, the Ambassador of Japan, Suzuki Hideo, described the presentation of Letters of Credence as a historic moment, praising Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and Africa.
He commended President Tinubu’s “visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to economic transformation,” applauding ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attracting investment and improving national security.
“Nigeria today stands as a beacon of resilience and promise,” Hideo said.
The 17 ambassadors who presented their letters of credence were: Mr Suzuki Hideo, Ambassador of Japan; Brah Mahamat, Ambassador of the Republic of Chad; Rodolf Estime Lekogo, Ambassador of the Republic of Gabon; Mehmet Poroy, Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye; Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri, Ambassador of the State of Palestine; Felix Costales Artioda, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain; and Banbang Suharto, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia.
Others include: Ba Abdoulaaye Mamadou, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania; Peter Guschelbauer, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria; Thirapath Mongkolnavin, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand; Miah M.D. Mainul Kabir, High Commissioner-Designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh; Anna Westerholm, Ambassador of Sweden; Tomas Vyprachticky, Ambassador of the Czech Republic; and John Ballout Jr., Ambassador of the Republic of Liberia.
The President also received Letters of Credence from Mr. Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana; Mr. Abheshek Singh, High Commissioner of the Republic of India; Mr. Michal Cygan, Ambassador of the Republic of Poland; Mr. Roberto Mengoni, Ambassador of the Italian Republic; Mr. Martins Podostavek, Ambassador of the Slovak Republic; Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran; and Mrs. Juliette Bynoe Sutherland, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados.
