President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to actively work towards improving the country’s global image, attracting foreign investment, and strengthening strategic international partnerships.
Tinubu gave the charge on Monday at the opening of an induction course for the newly deployed envoys held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
A statement issued by the SGF’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, quoted the President as saying the appointments reflect confidence in the diplomats’ ability to advance Nigeria’s interests in a rapidly evolving global environment.
“Tinubu charged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments, strengthen strategic partnerships and reposition the country’s global image in line with evolving diplomatic realities,” the statement read.
The President noted that global politics and economics are undergoing rapid transformation driven by geopolitical tensions, technological disruption, climate challenges and emerging security threats, adding that diplomacy must adapt accordingly.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He called on the envoys to adopt modern diplomatic practices, combining traditional engagement with digital diplomacy, strategic communication, and public relations efforts to project Nigeria’s achievements under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu also stressed the importance of reshaping global perceptions of Nigeria by telling the country’s story more effectively and credibly on the international stage.
According to him, Nigeria’s missions abroad must be more proactive in promoting trade, attracting foreign direct investment, and securing access to technology and development partnerships.
He further emphasised that the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora should remain a core priority for all diplomatic missions.
In what he described as a strategic shift, the President announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework known as the 4D Doctrine, which originally focused on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
He said the priorities have now been rearranged to Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy, placing citizens at the centre of Nigeria’s external engagements.
“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 urged the envoys to uphold professionalism, integrity, patriotism, and accountability in their duties, noting that embassies must operate with clear performance targets and prudent resource management.
He also commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the diplomatic nominees and urged the envoys to justify the confidence placed in them.
“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” the President said.