Nigeria secures approvals for 10 Ambassadorial nominees, boosting diplomatic postings

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that several countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and the United States, have formally accepted the country’s ambassadorial nominees, signalling progress in filling long-vacant diplomatic posts.

The announcement was made on Monday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, who revealed that Nigeria has so far secured approvals from ten nations. The countries include the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Ireland, Qatar, the Republic of Benin, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.

“Responses from other countries are still being awaited,” Ebienfa added, noting that the process of obtaining approvals from remaining host nations is ongoing. He further stated that the date for the formal induction ceremony of the envoys will be announced once finalised and cleared by the Presidency.

The Presidency had submitted a list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly toward the end of 2025. While all nominees were screened in December 2025, their official deployment depends on receiving agrément, the formal consent of host countries.

Some countries, including India, reportedly declined certain nominees, citing diplomatic norms that discourage accepting ambassadors from administrations with less than two years remaining in office.

The development ends a prolonged period in which several key Nigerian missions abroad operated without substantive ambassadors, relying instead on chargés d’affaires. Filling these positions is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and bilateral engagements with strategic nations.