President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned Nigerian ambassadors to some of Africa’s biggest economies as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle aimed at strengthening the country’s engagement with key markets across the continent.
The move is part of the president’s approval of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to diplomatic missions worldwide, marking one of the most extensive reorganisations of Nigeria’s foreign representation since his administration took office.
The ambassadorial list contains of names that would be representing the country in Africa’s top economic markets, ENigeria Newspaper learnt.
The ambassadors-designate were confirmed by the Senate in December and are expected to assume their posts once host governments grant agrément, the formal diplomatic approval required before ambassadors can take up their assignments.
In a statement issued on Friday, the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said diplomatic notifications had already been sent to the respective host countries while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been directed to begin the induction programme for the envoys.
Among the key postings are ambassadors assigned to major African economies including South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana and Kenya. All these countries are considered central to Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic engagement in Africa.
The government has been under increasing pressure since assuming office due to growing inflation, a depreciating naira, and increased living expenses that impact millions of Nigerians. The administration has defended policies like the elimination of gasoline subsidies and currency adjustments as essential measures to stabilise the economy, but their immediate effects have raised public concerns about food prices, purchasing power, and general economic hardship.
Hence, the appointment of certain individuals to key economic nations in Africa is key.
Former senator Ita Enang has been appointed ambassador to South Africa, one of Africa’s most industrialised economies and a major trade and investment partner for Nigeria. Economic relations between the two countries span sectors such as telecommunications, banking and retail, with companies from both nations operating across each other’s markets.
In North Africa, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno will represent Nigeria in Egypt, a key regional power whose economy and geopolitical influence extend across Africa and the Middle East. Egypt’s strategic position also makes it an important partner in areas such as trade, security cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
Veteran diplomat Aminu Bala Nasir has been posted to Ethiopia, a country that hosts the headquarters of the African Union in Addis Ababa. Nigeria’s mission there plays a significant role in managing the country’s diplomatic relations with the AU and other international institutions based in the Ethiopian capital.
Career diplomat Shehu Ilu Barde will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Ghana, one of West Africa’s most important commercial hubs. Relations between both countries often involve trade negotiations, economic cooperation and issues affecting Nigerian businesses operating in Ghana.
Similarly, Ibrahim Danlami has been assigned to Kenya, East Africa’s largest financial centre and a major diplomatic hub hosting numerous multinational organisations and international agencies.
It is anticipated that the appointments will increase Nigeria’s diplomatic presence around the continent and develop political and economic ties with some of the most significant economies in Africa.
