President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to take urgent steps to improve the country’s image abroad and attract foreign investment.
The President gave the directive on Monday during the opening of an induction programme for the envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. He urged them to play an active role in building strong international partnerships and promoting Nigeria’s economic interests.
Tinubu, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the appointments of the envoys showed the administration’s confidence in their ability to represent Nigeria effectively on the global stage.
According to a statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President charged the diplomats to “aggressively pursue foreign investments, strengthen strategic partnerships and reposition the country’s global image.”
Speaking through Akume, Tinubu noted that the global environment is changing rapidly, with new challenges emerging in politics, economics, technology and security.
He said issues such as shifting power relations among countries, economic uncertainty, climate change, technological disruption and security threats have made diplomacy more important than ever.
“The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” he said.
He stressed that Nigerian diplomats must adopt modern approaches to their work, combining traditional diplomacy with new methods such as digital communication and public engagement.
According to him, telling Nigeria’s story in a clear and honest way is key to improving how the country is seen by the rest of the world.
A major part of the President’s message was the need for envoys to attract foreign direct investment and build economic partnerships that can support Nigeria’s development.
He urged the diplomats to be proactive and creative in engaging with foreign governments, investors and international organisations.
Tinubu also called on them to highlight the achievements of his administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that positive communication could help boost confidence in Nigeria.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has for years depended heavily on oil revenue. However, recent governments have been pushing for economic diversification, with a focus on attracting foreign investment into sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure.
Tinubu’s directive to the envoys is therefore seen as part of a broader effort to improve Nigeria’s global standing and economic outlook.
The President also reminded the envoys that their responsibilities go beyond economic matters. He said protecting the welfare of Nigerians living abroad must remain a top priority.
Millions of Nigerians live and work outside the country, contributing significantly to the economy through remittances. These funds are a major source of foreign exchange for Nigeria.
Tinubu said diplomatic missions must ensure that Nigerians in the diaspora receive adequate support and protection, especially in times of crisis.
In what he described as a shift in policy, the President announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine.
He explained that the framework, which was previously based on Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, has now been rearranged to focus on Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
According to Tinubu, this change places Nigerians at the centre of the country’s foreign policy.
“This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit,” he said.
Tinubu stressed the importance of professionalism, integrity and patriotism in the conduct of diplomatic duties.
He reminded the envoys that they are not only representatives of the government but also custodians of Nigeria’s image abroad.
The President urged them to be accountable and results-driven in their work, noting that missions must set clear goals and use available resources wisely.
He also encouraged the envoys to make full use of the induction programme, describing it as essential for preparing them for the challenges of diplomatic service in a changing world.
Tinubu commended the National Assembly for confirming the nominees and urged the diplomats to justify the confidence placed in them.
“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the important role of diplomats in shaping Nigeria’s international image.
She acknowledged that the country faces several challenges, including insecurity, limited resources and infrastructure gaps.
However, she advised the envoys not to hide these issues but to present them in a way that attracts support and partnership from the international community.
“Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership by amplifying the true picture,” she said.
She added that despite these challenges, the government remains committed to addressing them.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also spoke about the practical challenges diplomats may face, particularly limited funding.
She noted that many missions operate with tight budgets, which can affect their ability to carry out their duties.
However, she urged the envoys to remain resourceful and innovative.
“A lean budget is not a license for failure; it is a call for prudency and ingenuity,” she said.
Her comments reflect long-standing concerns about funding for Nigeria’s foreign missions, which have at times struggled with issues such as unpaid bills and inadequate facilities.
The minister further stressed the need for discipline and transparency in the management of public resources.
She warned that diplomatic immunity should not be seen as an excuse for misconduct, urging envoys to maintain high standards at all times.
She also highlighted the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s relations with other countries and participating actively in regional and global organisations.
According to the minister, the induction programme will equip the envoys with the knowledge and skills needed for effective service.
She said participants would be exposed to key areas of diplomacy, including international agreements, regional cooperation and Nigeria’s role in global affairs.
As Nigeria seeks to play a stronger role on the international stage, the performance of its diplomats will be closely watched.
With Tinubu’s directive, the new envoys are expected to take a more active role in promoting the country’s interests, improving its image and attracting the investment needed for growth.