The Federal Government has urged newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to project a positive image of Nigeria abroad while effectively managing the country’s image in the face of domestic and global challenges.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, gave the charge in Abuja on Monday during the induction programme for career and non-career ambassadors and high commissioners-designate.

She said diplomats must acknowledge Nigeria’s challenges, including insecurity, infrastructure deficits, and limited resources, but should use their positions to attract international cooperation and partnerships rather than project only negative narratives.

According to her, ambassadors represent Nigeria’s sovereignty and must carry out their duties with discipline, professionalism and accountability.

She also warned that funding constraints would be a major challenge in foreign missions, urging envoys to apply prudence, creativity, and innovation in managing available resources.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that, despite lean budgets, diplomatic excellence must not be compromised, adding that ambassadors are expected to deliver measurable results for the country.

She said the envoys are expected to promote Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities anchored on democracy, development, demography, and diaspora engagement.

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She added that they must also advance economic diplomacy by attracting foreign direct investment, boosting trade, and promoting tourism to support national development.

The minister further directed them to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations and ensure Nigeria remains a credible and attractive partner on the global stage.

She emphasised the need to protect Nigerians living abroad through effective consular services, crisis response, and sustained engagement with diaspora communities.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu also cautioned that diplomatic immunity does not excuse misconduct, urging strict compliance with ethical standards, transparency, and proper use of public resources.

She noted that the global geopolitical environment is constantly evolving, requiring diplomats to be proactive, strategic, and results-oriented in representing Nigeria.

The minister expressed confidence that the new envoys would align their duties with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and contribute to improving Nigeria’s international image and global standing.