Former Lagos State Governor and ex-Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday, urged that newly appointed Nigerian ambassadors be thoroughly briefed on the country’s policies and economic priorities before assuming their foreign postings.
Speaking in Abuja at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Fashola stressed that Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness depends on how well its envoys understand and communicate the nation’s positions to foreign governments and investors.
He recalled an incident during his time in office when an ambassador he met abroad was unaware of Nigeria’s stance on issues related to his ministry, warning that such gaps undermine the country’s interests. “Before posting them, they must have ready knowledge and information to truly represent Nigeria in high-level engagements: our policies, fiscal position, tax laws, investment incentives, oil and gas policy, mineral mining framework, and even how long it takes to register a business in Nigeria,” he said.
Fashola recommended immediate inter-ministerial collaboration to ensure ambassadors are properly equipped, adding that it is “never too late” to address the gaps.
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He also criticised the practice of ambassadors frequently inviting ministers to visit their host countries, arguing that Nigeria should instead position itself as a destination for investors and global partners. “Our ambassadors should invite people to visit Nigeria, not the other way around,” he said, linking the strategy to the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions) framework.
Fashola emphasised that Nigeria must leverage its cultural and entertainment strengths to attract visitors, noting that firsthand experiences are the most effective way to counter negative narratives about the country.
Meanwhile, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations President, Dr Ike Neliaku, clarified that his recent remarks on lobbying were misrepresented. He said lobbying is a recognised public relations function and not a crime, but raised concerns about the Federal Government’s controversial $9m US lobbying deal, questioning the process, value, and competence of the vendors involved.
Neliaku added that Nigeria has a “golden opportunity” to strengthen its global image by hosting the Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum in November 2026, a hosting right secured after a rigorous bidding process.
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