The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged newly inducted Ambassadors and High Commissioners-designate to advance Nigeria’s interests using the 4Ds framework of Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.
She gave the charge on Monday in Abuja at the commencement of an induction programme organised to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic assignments.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated the envoys and urged them to strengthen economic diplomacy by attracting investments, boosting trade and tourism, and supporting Nigeria’s economic diversification drive.
She said the induction programme reflected the government’s commitment to building a professional and result-oriented diplomatic service capable of advancing Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
According to her, the appointments reflected the confidence reposed in them by President Bola Tinubu, adding that their performance would significantly influence Nigeria’s global image.
“As representatives of Nigeria abroad, your actions must align with the government’s foreign policy thrust anchored on the 4Ds,” she said.
The minister emphasised the need to prioritise Nigerians in the diaspora through efficient consular services, prompt crisis response, and active engagement.
She also stressed professionalism, discipline, integrity, and accountability in managing missions, warning against the misuse of diplomatic privileges.
In his keynote address, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, described the appointments as a call to national service.
Akume, who spoke on behalf of President Tinubu, said Nigeria’s foreign policy had been repositioned to prioritise citizens’ welfare and national development.
He urged the envoys to deliver measurable outcomes that would enhance Nigeria’s global standing and strengthen bilateral relations.
The induction programme will feature sessions on diplomatic practice, mission administration, protocol, consular services, and multilateral engagement.
