By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, on Tuesday, April 7, presented Letters of Credence to Nigeria’s ambassadors-designate to the United Kingdom, France and the United Nations.
This was disclosed in a statement by Odumegwu-Ojukwu on Tuesday, with the letters authorising them to represent the country abroad.
The statement noted that the recipients are Aminu Dalhatu, High Commissioner to the United Kingdom; Ayodele Oke, Ambassador-to France; and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Permanent Representative- to the United Nations.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu said, “I am honoured to present Letters of Credence on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
The minister further explained that “In diplomatic practice, Letters of Commission (more commonly referred to as Letters of Credence) are “formal documents issued by a Head of State to another, introducing a newly appointed ambassador or high commissioner and officially accrediting a diplomat to a foreign nation, authorising them to represent their home country’s interests and act on its behalf, and requesting the host country to give credence (trust) to that representative.
The presentation of the letters follows President Bola Tinubu’s approval of 65 ambassadors-designate and high commissioners to various countries and the United Nations on March 6.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said 31 non-career and 34 career ambassadors were assigned to their duty posts following the Senate’s confirmation of all nominees in December 2025 following screening by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been directed to commence an induction programme for the envoys, who will assume their posts after receiving agreement from the host countries.
