President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to aggressively pursue foreign investments, deepen strategic partnerships and project a more positive image of the country abroad.
The President gave the charge on Monday at the opening of an induction course for the envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, saying their appointments reflected the confidence of his administration in their ability to advance Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, Tinubu said the global landscape was undergoing rapid changes shaped by shifting geopolitical dynamics, economic uncertainty, technological disruption, climate-related challenges and emerging security threats.
According to him, these developments have made diplomacy more critical than ever, stressing that Nigeria must remain prepared to respond effectively in ways that protect and promote its national interest.
He, therefore, urged the envoys to embrace a modern, result-driven diplomatic approach that blends traditional diplomacy with digital engagement, public diplomacy and strategic communication.
Tinubu said the ambassadors must tell Nigeria’s story in a compelling and credible manner while projecting the achievements of his administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He also tasked them with being proactive and innovative in building partnerships, promoting trade, and attracting foreign direct investment as well as technology to the country.
The President added that the welfare of Nigerians in the diaspora must remain a major priority for all foreign missions.
In what he described as a significant policy adjustment, Tinubu announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy doctrine, known as the 4D framework.
He explained that while the doctrine was previously arranged as Democracy, Development, Demography and Diaspora, it has now been reordered to Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
According to him, the shift is designed to place Nigerians at the centre of the country’s foreign policy and ensure that international engagements deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
“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 further stressed the need for professionalism, integrity and patriotism in the discharge of diplomatic responsibilities, reminding the envoys that they are not only representatives of government but also custodians of Nigeria’s image abroad.
He urged the missions to remain accountable, prudent in managing resources and focused on measurable goals that would contribute to economic growth and national development.
The President also encouraged the envoys to take full advantage of the induction programme, noting that it was designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills required for effective service in an increasingly complex global environment.
He commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the nominees and called on the envoys to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” he said.
