President Bola Tinubu on Thursday received Letters of Credence from 21 newly accredited foreign envoys at the State House, Abuja, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to deepen bilateral ties and expand cooperation across critical sectors.
The envoys—comprising 17 ambassadors and four high commissioners—were received during a ceremony at the Council Chamber. The event was announced in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
In his remarks, President Tinubu welcomed the diplomats and pledged Nigeria’s continued commitment to peaceful and productive international relations.
“On behalf of the government and people of Nigeria, I warmly welcome you to the State House, and I congratulate you on your appointments,” he said. “Nigeria values longstanding friendships and strategic partnerships across all regions of the world.”
The President urged the new envoys to work with Nigeria in strengthening cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, technology, education, defence, and cultural exchange, adding that the global environment required collective action.
“The world faces evolving challenges—security threats, climate pressures, economic instability, and humanitarian issues. Nigeria is ready to collaborate with your governments to promote peace, stability, and prosperity,” Tinubu stated.
He assured the diplomats of the government’s full cooperation throughout their mission in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the envoys, Japan’s Ambassador, Suzuki Hideo, described the occasion as a historic milestone and highlighted Nigeria’s influential role in ECOWAS and the African continent.
“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,” he said.
The newly accredited envoys are:
Ambassadors:
Suzuki Hideo (Japan)
Brah Mahamat (Chad)
Rodolf Estime Lekogo (Gabon)
Mehmet Poroy (Türkiye)
Muhannad M.A. Alhammouri (State of Palestine)
Felix Costales Artioda (Spain)
Banbang Suharto (Indonesia)
Ba Abdoulaaye Mamadou (Mauritania)
Peter Guschelbauer (Austria)
Thirapath Mongkolnavin (Thailand)
Anna Westerholm (Sweden)
Tomas Vyprachticky (Czech Republic)
John Ballout Jr. (Liberia)
Michal Cygan (Poland)
Roberto Mengoni (Italy)
Martins Podostavek (Slovak Republic)
Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja (Iran)
High Commissioners:
Miah M.D. Mainul Kabir (Bangladesh)
Baba Jamal Mohammed Ahmod (Ghana)
Abheshek Singh (India)
Juliette Bynoe Sutherland (Barbados)
