President Bola Tinubu on Thursday restated Nigeria’s dedication to global peace, stability and economic cooperation as he received Letters of Credence from newly appointed foreign envoys.
The President made the remarks at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during a ceremony attended by 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners. His comments were contained in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu assured the diplomats that Nigeria remains open to partnerships aimed at addressing shared challenges, including insecurity, climate-related pressures and economic instability.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House,” he said. “Nigeria values longstanding friendship and strategic partnerships across all regions of the world. Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.”
The President encouraged the envoys to engage closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and take advantage of his open-door policy to strengthen collaboration in trade, energy, agriculture, technology, education, defence, and cultural exchange.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his administration remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, implementing economic reforms and improving the environment for investment and sustainable development.
“As you begin your duty as partners, I assure you of the fullest cooperation of the government of Nigeria,” he said. “My doors remain open for constructive engagements, and I trust your tenure in Nigeria will be productive.”
Speaking on behalf of the diplomats, Japan’s Ambassador, Suzuki Hideo, described the event as historic and highlighted Nigeria’s strategic role in ECOWAS and across the African continent. He commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and counter-terrorism efforts, noting that they have enhanced global confidence in Nigeria.
“Your bold reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attract investment and promote inclusiveness are highly recognised. Nigeria today stands as a beacon of resilience and promise,” Hideo said.
The envoys also pledged to work towards deepening relations with Nigeria in key sectors.
Among the ambassadors who presented their Letters of Credence were Suzuki Hideo (Japan), Brah Mahamat (Chad), Rodolf Estime Lekogo (Gabon), Mehmet Poroy (Türkiye), Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri (Palestine), Felix Costales Artioda (Spain) and Banbang Suharto (Indonesia).
Others included Ba Abdoulaaye Mamadou (Mauritania), Peter Guschelbauer (Austria), Thirapath Mongkolnavin (Thailand), Miah M.D. Mainul Kabir (Bangladesh), Anna Westerholm (Sweden), Tomas Vyprachticky (Czech Republic), and John Ballout Jr. (Liberia).
Tinubu also received credentials from high commissioners and ambassadors representing Ghana, India, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, Iran and Barbados.