Letter of Credence: Tinubu welcomes Ambassador Poroy and others

With 17 ambassadors and 4 High Commissioners now accredited, including Türkiye’s Poroy, Nigeria opens doors to broader diplomatic and economic partnership

By Abdullahi Yusuf

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received the Letters of Credence of Türkiye’s new Ambassador to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, alongside 16 other ambassadors and four high commissioners, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to global peace, strengthened diplomacy, and deeper bilateral partnerships.

Ambassador Poroy’s accreditation drew particular attention as Turkey continues to broaden its diplomatic and economic footprint in West Africa. Ankara and Abuja share multi-layered cooperation in defence, energy, counter-terrorism, education and trade, with Turkish companies playing an expanding role in Nigeria’s construction and manufacturing sectors. Analysts say the new envoy arrives at a crucial moment as both countries seek to consolidate gains made over the last decade.

President Tinubu, who hosted the envoys at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja, said Nigeria welcomes stronger ties with Türkiye and all partner nations in addressing global instability, security threats and economic pressures.

“My doors are open and remain open for constructive engagements,” Tinubu told the diplomats, urging them to work closely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advance areas of shared interest. “Your accreditation today reaffirms the depth of our bilateral ties and our commitment to expand cooperation in trade, energy, agriculture, education, technology, defence and cultural exchange.”

Tinubu said his administration remains focused on strengthening democratic institutions, driving reforms and creating an investment-friendly environment. He added that Nigeria stands ready to collaborate with its partners in tackling challenges ranging from climate shocks to terrorism and humanitarian concerns.

Speaking on behalf of the diplomatic corps, Japan’s Ambassador, Suzuki Hideo, praised Nigeria’s leadership role in ECOWAS and Africa and commended the administration’s ongoing reforms. “Your bold reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s fiscal framework, attract investment and promote inclusiveness are highly recognised,” he said. He also lauded the country’s intensified security efforts, calling Nigeria “a beacon of resilience and promise.”

Other ambassadors who presented their credentials include representatives from Chad, Gabon, Palestine, Spain, Indonesia, Mauritania, Austria, Thailand, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Liberia, Poland, Italy, Slovakia, Iran, Ghana, India and Barbados.

Ambassador Poroy’s arrival is expected to energize bilateral cooperation, with observers anticipating new engagements in security collaboration, counter-terrorism training, trade expansion and educational exchanges, especially within Nigeria’s growing youth population.

The ceremony marked one of the largest single-day diplomatic receptions of Tinubu’s presidency, signalling renewed momentum in Nigeria’s foreign relations as the government seeks broader investment and strategic alliances.

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