Foreign Affairs Ministry: Six Tinubu Envoys Await Final Host Country Consent

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that six of President Bola Tinubu's ambassadorial nominees are still awaiting formal approval, known as agrément, from their prospective host nations before they can begin their diplomatic duties. This update was provided by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, to The PUNCH, detailing the current status of the President's ambassadorial selections.

Last month, the ministry had announced that 61 out of the 69 ambassadors appointed by President Tinubu had already secured agrément – the essential formal consent from host countries for ambassadors to assume their roles. Many of these approved envoys have since departed for their respective postings to commence their diplomatic assignments. The ministry remains optimistic that the remaining host nations will soon grant their approvals, thereby strengthening Nigeria's international relations.

Among those who have already formally taken up their positions are Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Qatar, who presented his Letters of Credence to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of Qatar, at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on July 2, 2026. Similarly, Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Ambassador Mohammed Idris Haidara, presented his Letters of Credence to King Willem-Alexander at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague on June 24, 2026. Ambassador Ezenwa C. Nwaobiala also formally presented his Letters of Credence to President Alassane Ouattara at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan on June 18, 2026, marking the commencement of his diplomatic mission in Côte d’Ivoire.

More recently, on Monday, July 6, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi, Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the Republic of Austria and the International Organisations in Vienna, formally presented her Letters of Credence (Copie d’Usage) to Ambassador Maximilian Hennig, the Chief of Protocol of the Austrian Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.

Commenting on the pending appointments, Ebienfa stated, “Only six remaining so far. Waiting for Agrèment,” without disclosing the specific countries involved. In established diplomatic custom, agrément is the official consent a receiving state provides before an ambassador-designate can be formally appointed and deployed.

The ministry expressed its confidence that the outstanding approvals would be received promptly, paving the way for the full deployment of all ambassadorial appointees.

Following her presentation to the Austrian Chief of Protocol, Ambassador Ajimobi, widow of the late former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, conveyed her sincere appreciation to the Austrian Government for the warm welcome and gracious reception she received upon her arrival in Vienna. She also extended profound gratitude to Ambassador Hennig for the excellent arrangements made to facilitate the presentation of her Copie d’Usage, highlighting the professionalism, efficiency, and courtesy shown to her and her delegation.

Ambassador Ajimobi further conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from the Government and people of Nigeria to their Austrian counterparts. She affirmed Nigeria’s dedication to reinforcing the long-standing cordial relationship between the two nations, pledging to work towards deepening cooperation across various sectors including trade, investment, education, culture, and multilateral diplomacy. She concluded by expressing her eager anticipation to formally present her Letters of Credence to President Alexander Van der Bellen.