By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
COMMITMENT TO advancing peace, stability, and prosperity beyond its borders has been reiterated by Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu stated on Thursday in Abuja.
The President made the declaration after receiving Letters of Credence from 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners at the Council Chamber of the State House.
President Tinubu called on the diplomats to engage with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on all areas of shared interest and mutual benefits, noting that he maintains an open-door policy.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House, and I congratulate you on your appointments as the official representatives of your respective countries,” he said.
He added that Nigeria values the longstanding friendship and strategic partnership across all regions of the world, noting that the ambassadors’ accreditation reaffirms bilateral ties and the shared commitment to expand cooperation and partnership in areas of mutual interest.
President Tinubu noted that the government remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, driving economic reforms, and creating an enabling environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable development.
“We, therefore, encourage deeper engagements with Nigeria in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence cooperation and cultural exchange,” he said.
He also acknowledged the evolving challenges faced by the global community, including security threats, climate pressures, economic instability, and humanitarian issues, and affirmed Nigeria’s readiness to work closely with the governments represented to promote peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As you begin your duty as partners, I assure you of the fullest cooperation of the government of Nigeria. My doors are open and remain open for constructive engagements, and I trust your tenure in Nigeria will be productive,” the President stated.
Addressing the assembly on behalf of the diplomats, the Ambassador of Japan, Suzuki Hideo, described the presentation of Letters of Credence in Nigeria as both historic and remarkable, given the country’s position in ECOWAS and Africa.
“We are honoured and filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude to have presented our Letters of Credence today. It is a historic moment for us all as we embark on a new chapter in deepening relations among our various countries and with Nigeria,” he said.
Hideo praised President Tinubu’s leadership, noting the reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attracting investment, and promoting inclusiveness. He also commended the President’s efforts to enhance national security through intensified counter-terrorism strategies.
“With keen interest, we also commend your recent effort to strengthen national security guided by the intensified counter-terrorism strategies,” he added.
The Japanese envoy also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to economic prosperity and political stability within ECOWAS and Africa, stating that the country occupies a strong position for global recognition.
“Nigeria today stands as a beacon of resilience and promise,” he said.
The 17 ambassadors who presented their Letters of Credence included Mr Suzuki Hideo of Japan; Brah Mahamat of Chad; Rodolf Estime Lekogo of Gabon; Mehmet Poroy of Türkiye; Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri of Palestine; Felix Costales Artioda of Spain; and Banbang Suharto of Indonesia.
Additional envoys included Ba Abdoulaaye Mamadou of Mauritania; Peter Guschelbauer of Austria; Thirapath Mongkolnavin of Thailand; Miah M.D. Mainul Kabir, High Commissioner-Designate of Bangladesh; Anna Westerholm of Sweden; Tomas Vyprachticky of the Czech Republic; and John Ballout Jr. of Liberia.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Mr Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod, High Commissioner of Ghana; Mr. Abheshek Singh, High Commissioner of India; Mr Michal Cygan of Poland; Mr Roberto Mengoni of Italy; Mr Martins Podostavek of Slovakia; Mr. Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja of Iran; and Mrs Juliette Bynoe Sutherland, Non-Resident High Commissioner of Barbados.
The President said the event reaffirms Nigeria’s pursuit of international cooperation across trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence cooperation, and cultural exchange.
Hideo described the accreditation as historic and noted Nigeria’s reforms and efforts to strengthen national security, fiscal stability, and inclusiveness.
The presentation of credentials formally marked the start of the ambassadors’ and high commissioners’ tenure.
