Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola on Tuesday called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that Nigeria’s newly appointed ambassadors—especially non-career envoys—are thoroughly briefed on the country’s policies, economic priorities, and investment frameworks before assuming their diplomatic postings.

Fashola made the appeal during his keynote address at the Nigeria Reputation Summit 2026, organized in Abuja by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations.

The recommendation comes a month after the Senate confirmed 62 ambassadorial nominees, including former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, following a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Drawing from his own government experience, the immediate past Minister of Works emphasized that Nigeria’s diplomatic success depends on how well envoys understand and communicate the nation’s positions to foreign governments and investors.

“During my tenure, I visited an African country as a minister and was received by our ambassador there. Over dinner, I shared the purpose of my visit, which was ministry-related, only to realize the ambassador was unaware of Nigeria’s position on those matters,” Fashola recounted.

He warned that such gaps could undermine Nigeria’s interests abroad and insisted that ambassadors must be equipped with up-to-date information on policies, fiscal positions, tax laws, investment incentives, oil and gas, mining, and business registration processes before deployment.

“So now that ambassadors have been appointed, they must have ready knowledge to effectively represent us in high-level discussions. It’s important, and it must be a continuous engagement,” he said. Fashola urged immediate inter-ministerial coordination to start this briefing process.

He also criticized the practice of ambassadors inviting ministers to visit their host countries, describing such trips as often adding little value to national development. “Many letters I received from ambassadors inviting me to visit their countries ended up in my shredder. Nigeria should be the destination, not the visitor,” he said.

According to Fashola, firsthand experiences of Nigeria’s climate, culture, and opportunities cannot be conveyed through presentations abroad. He urged ambassadors to focus on bringing international stakeholders to Nigeria, leveraging the country’s existing infrastructure, hotels, and transport systems.

“This approach aligns with the global MICE—Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions—strategy, which is a key economic driver. We must encourage inbound engagement rather than travel abroad unnecessarily,” he explained.

Fashola also highlighted the potential of Nigeria’s cultural and entertainment exports in attracting visitors. “How many global musical concerts are held here? Experiencing Nigeria firsthand counters negative narratives. Visitors will leave with real experiences, not misconceptions,” he added.

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Dr. Ike Neliaku, clarified that he was not defending the Federal Government’s controversial $9 million US lobbying deal. He said his comments were misrepresented and were intended only to explain that lobbying is a recognized public relations function, not a criminal act.

Neliaku emphasized concerns about the process, value, and competence of the vendors involved in the contract, while noting that Nigeria has a “golden opportunity” to enhance its global image by hosting the Global Alliance World Public Relations Forum in November 2026, a right the country secured after a rigorous bidding process.