Nigeria: Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar, Presents Letters of Credence to Envoys.
By Raymond Enoch
The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, on Friday, 28 November 2025, formally presented letters of credence to five newly appointed Nigerian envoys, reaffirming the country’s resolve to strengthen its diplomatic presence and protect national interests across key strategic regions.
Those who received their instruments of appointment were Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, the new ECOWAS Permanent Representative; Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, Consul General in Guangzhou, China; Ambassador N.O. Okey-Uche, Consul General in Johannesburg, South Africa; Ambassador Ojo Olobode Steve, Consul General in Buea, Cameroon; and Ambassador Samalia Goni, Charge d’Affaires in Tripoli, Libya.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, welcomed the dignitaries and described the event as a clear reaffirmation of Nigeria’s commitment to effective representation on the global stage. He noted that the appointment of the envoys reflects the strategic priorities of the Federal Government in consolidating Nigeria’s leadership role in West Africa and deepening engagement with major bilateral and multilateral partners.
In his address to the appointees, Ambassador Tuggar underscored the changing dynamics of global politics and the increasing complexity of international relations. He stressed that Nigeria’s foreign service must continually adapt to emerging realities, ranging from shifting geopolitical alliances to economic competition, migration, security challenges and technological disruptions.
The Minister charged the diplomats to demonstrate strategic thinking, analytical capacity and resilience in the discharge of their duties, reminding them that they carry the responsibility of promoting and defending Nigeria’s interests abroad. He further emphasised professionalism, integrity and proactive engagement as essential tools for navigating contemporary diplomatic challenges.
Ambassador Tuggar also urged the envoys to project a positive image of Nigeria, facilitate trade and investment, protect the welfare of Nigerians in their host countries, and build constructive partnerships that advance the nation’s economic and security objectives.
Responding on behalf of his colleagues, the newly appointed ECOWAS Permanent Representative, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, expressed profound gratitude to the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the confidence reposed in them. He pledged that the team would justify the trust through dedication, loyalty and diligent service, while working collectively to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy goals and regional leadership.
Ambassador Awe assured the Minister that the envoys would remain focused on strengthening bilateral and multilateral ties, contributing to regional integration efforts, and aligning their missions’ activities with Nigeria’s strategic priorities.
The ceremony ended with a group photograph session and a renewed call by the Ministry on all newly appointed envoys to maintain close communication with headquarters. They were specifically encouraged to share regular updates on their mission activities to support institutional documentation, policy planning and effective public communication of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements.
