President Bola Tinubu on Thursday reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation, promoting peace, and deepening economic partnerships as he received Letters of Credence from 21 newly accredited foreign envoys at the State House, Abuja.
Seventeen ambassadors and four high commissioners presented their credentials during a ceremony held at the Council Chamber.
Tinubu urged the diplomats to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and assured them of his administration’s openness to constructive engagement. He emphasised that Nigeria values its longstanding relationships across regions and remains focused on economic reforms, democratic consolidation, and creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you. Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our shared commitment to expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” the President said.
He encouraged deeper partnerships in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence, and cultural exchange, noting that global challenges such as security threats, climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian crises require collective action.
“As you begin your duty as partners, I assure you of the fullest cooperation of the government of Nigeria. My doors remain open for constructive engagements,” Tinubu added.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, Japan’s Ambassador, Suzuki Hideo, described the moment as historic and praised Tinubu’s leadership and economic reforms. He also commended Nigeria’s role in promoting stability and prosperity in ECOWAS and Africa.
“We are honoured to present our Letters of Credence today. Your bold reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework and attract investment are highly recognised,” Hideo stated.
He said Nigeria’s contributions to regional peace and its resilience have positioned the country for greater global recognition.
The envoys who presented their credentials included:
Suzuki Hideo (Japan); Brah Mahamat (Chad); Rodolf Estime Lekogo (Gabon); Mehmet Poroy (Türkiye); Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri (Palestine); Felix Costales Artioda (Spain); Banbang Suharto (Indonesia); 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).
Others are Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod (Ghana); Abheshek Singh (India); Michal Cygan (Poland); Roberto Mengoni (Italy); Martins Podostavek (Slovakia); Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja (Iran); and Juliette Bynoe Sutherland (Barbados).
The ceremony concluded with assurances of strengthened bilateral and multilateral cooperation.