President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to focus on improving the country’s global reputation, attracting foreign investment, and building stronger international partnerships.

The President gave the directive on Monday during the opening of an induction programme for the envoys at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu said the appointments reflected the administration’s confidence in the envoys’ ability to advance Nigeria’s interests globally.

According to a statement issued by the SGF’s Media Aide, Yomi Odunuga, the President urged the diplomats to aggressively pursue investment opportunities, strengthen strategic alliances, and help reposition Nigeria’s image in line with changing global realities.

Tinubu noted that the world is currently experiencing rapid changes driven by geopolitical shifts, economic uncertainties, technological advancement, climate-related concerns, and emerging security threats. He said these developments have made diplomacy more important than ever.

“The international system is evolving rapidly. We must be prepared to meet these challenges by focusing on how best to protect and promote Nigeria’s national interest,” the President stated.

He advised the envoys to combine traditional diplomatic methods with digital engagement, public diplomacy, and strategic communication while showcasing the achievements of his administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The President stressed the need for diplomats to present Nigeria’s story in a credible and convincing manner in order to reshape global perceptions about the country.

Tinubu also called on the envoys to be proactive and innovative in attracting foreign direct investment, promoting trade opportunities, securing technology partnerships, and strengthening bilateral cooperation.

He added that the welfare of Nigerians living abroad should remain a top priority for all diplomatic missions.

The President further announced a reordering of Nigeria’s foreign policy framework, known as the 4D Doctrine.

While the doctrine was previously arranged around Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, Tinubu said the priorities have now been reordered to Demography, Development, Diaspora, and Democracy.

According to him, the adjustment is aimed at placing Nigerians at the centre of the country’s foreign policy objectives and ensuring that diplomatic engagements deliver practical benefits to citizens.

“This re-ordering has put the Nigerian people at the centre of our foreign policy agenda and is aimed at harnessing outcomes for their maximum benefit,” he said.

Tinubu also urged the envoys to uphold professionalism, patriotism, integrity, and accountability in carrying out their responsibilities, noting that they serve as representatives of Nigeria’s government and image abroad.

He emphasised prudent management of public resources and called for measurable results from diplomatic missions that would contribute to national development.

The President encouraged participants to maximise the opportunities offered by the induction programme, describing it as essential preparation for effective diplomatic service in a fast-changing global environment.

He also commended the National Assembly for the swift confirmation of the envoys and urged them to justify the confidence placed in them.

“You have a special responsibility in helping to reposition Nigeria in global affairs. The world is watching,” Tinubu said.

Speaking during the event, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, highlighted the critical role ambassadors play in shaping international perceptions about Nigeria and promoting national interests.

She acknowledged the country’s challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and resource constraints, but urged the envoys not to conceal those realities. Instead, she encouraged them to seek international cooperation and support by presenting an honest picture of the government’s efforts to address the issues.

“Your task is not to hide these realities but to secure international attention and partnership by amplifying the true picture that, despite these obstacles, this government’s commitment to resolving them remains unparalleled and consistent,” she said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also pointed to funding challenges faced by diplomatic missions and urged the envoys to manage limited resources wisely and creatively.

“A lean budget is not a license for failure; it is a call for prudency and ingenuity,” she stated.

She further reminded the diplomats to uphold discipline, transparency, and accountability, stressing that diplomatic immunity should never be seen as protection for misconduct.

According to the minister, the induction programme will expose participants to important diplomatic frameworks, international conventions, regional protocols, and Nigeria’s engagements on global platforms.