The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has concluded a three-day induction programme for newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate, equipping them to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities with a strong focus on economic diplomacy, investment promotion, and national development.
The programme, held at the Rotunda House , Headquarters of the Ministry from Monday, 27th to Wednesday, 29th April 2026, provided comprehensive orientation on contemporary diplomatic practices, mission management, multilateral engagement, consular services, and protocol standards.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, emphasised that Nigerian missions abroad must serve as key drivers of economic diplomacy. He charged the envoys to actively promote investment opportunities, facilitate trade, and build strategic partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to Nigeria.91a64b
Ambassador Ahmed highlighted the need for operational efficiency, financial discipline, and timely communication to enhance the effectiveness of Nigeria’s diplomatic service. He also stressed the importance of citizen-centred diplomacy, including efficient consular support for Nigerians abroad and structured engagement with the diaspora.
On multilateral issues, the Permanent Secretary reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing aspiration for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council and called for stronger leadership within the UN system and African affairs. He further underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in improving Nigeria’s international image.
While acknowledging the prospects of enhanced policy alignment and professional competence from the induction, Ambassador Ahmed identified key challenges facing Nigerian missions, including resource constraints, capacity gaps in areas such as digital diplomacy, bureaucratic bottlenecks, and negative perceptions in some countries.
To tackle these issues, he recommended continuous capacity-building, better resource allocation, strengthened inter-agency collaboration, and the development of a robust strategic communication framework to project a more positive image of Nigeria globally.
In his closing remarks, Ambassador Ahmed, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, congratulated the Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate on their appointments and wished them successful tenures. He also expressed appreciation to participants, resource persons, and organisers for the success of the programme.
The induction came as part of broader efforts to reposition Nigeria’s diplomacy as a tool for national development under the current administration.
