The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that 65 out of the 69 ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu have been accepted by their respective host countries.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the development as a 97 percent acceptance rate, indicating strong diplomatic reception for Nigeria’s envoys.

Ebienfa explained that two of the four outstanding cases are due to unforeseen circumstances. Grace Bent, the ambassador-designate to Togo, declined the appointment, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, designated ambassador to Algeria, passed away on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey, after a prolonged illness.

 

He noted that the process to appoint a replacement is currently underway.

Although the ministry did not officially name the remaining two countries yet to grant approval, reports indicate they are Japan and Mexico. Reno Omokri, a former presidential spokesperson, was nominated as ambassador to Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa was assigned to Japan.

The ministry assured that positive signals have been received from both countries, expressing confidence that formal approvals will be granted soon. Ebienfa emphasized that diplomatic engagements with the concerned nations are ongoing and progressing smoothly.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international community that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding agreements will be concluded in due course,” the statement read.

He added that most of the confirmed ambassadors have already arrived in their respective host countries and have presented their letters of credence, officially commencing their duties as Nigeria’s principal envoys.