Former minister, Babatunde Fashola, has said Nigeria’s ambassadors often lack crucial policy knowledge, urging the government to equip envoys with the tools needed to attract investment and strengthen the country’s international image.
He also criticised what he called a misplaced approach to economic diplomacy, where ambassadors invite Nigerian ministers abroad instead of attracting investors to Nigeria.
“Frequently, I would receive letters from ambassadors requesting our visits abroad. Most of those letters ended up in my drawer. If there was a development problem, it was here, not there”, he said. “Our ambassadors must invite people to Nigeria, not the other way around”.
Fashola made the remarks on Tuesday at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026 in Abuja, organised by the Nigeria Reputation Management Group (NRMG), a private-sector initiative of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), with the theme “Better Nigeria, Better Reputation”.
Recalling his experience as a minister, he said he once discovered an ambassador had limited knowledge of Nigeria’s policies in the sector he was visiting. He stressed the need for structured briefings on fiscal policies, tax laws, investment incentives, oil and gas reforms, solid minerals, and the business environment.
“Our ambassadors must have instant knowledge to represent us effectively. How long does it take to register a business in Nigeria? They must know that”, he added.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris highlighted the role of reputation management in foreign relations. Referring to the National Reputation Perception Index by NIPR, he said, “A reputation score of 35.2 percent places Nigeria in a low-trust band. This is not condemnation; it is a mirror. Responsible nations must have the courage to look into it and act”.
Idris noted that ambassadors are key to aligning global narratives with domestic progress, especially in countering misleading reports about insecurity and religious intolerance.
Ending on a call to action, Fashola stressed that Nigeria’s diplomatic corps must focus on attracting investors home. “Our ambassadors must invite people to Nigeria, not the other way around”, he said, noting this is essential for national development and improving the country’s global reputation.
About the Author
