Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Nigeria’s newly appointed Ambassador to France, Ayodele Oke, has pledged to usher in a new era of diplomatic engagement between Abuja and Paris, with stronger cooperation in security, trade and investment at the centre of his mission.
Oke, who became Nigeria’s 17th ambassador to the French Republic, made the commitment on Monday after presenting his Letters of Credence to French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The ambassador said his assignment would focus on elevating and recalibrating the relationship between both countries while ensuring that Nigeria’s interests, citizens and international reputation receive stronger representation in France.
According to a statement issued by the Nigerian Embassy in Paris, Oke said the presentation of his credentials marked the formal beginning of his diplomatic duties and offered an opportunity to deepen the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and France.
He said: “I am pleased to inform you that on 5 October 2026, I presented my Letters of Credence to President Emmanuel Macron and formally assumed my duties as the 17th Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the French Republic.”
Oke said the ceremony at the historic Élysée Palace underscored the need for a fresh approach to the bilateral partnership, particularly at a time when Nigeria seeks to strengthen international cooperation around its economic and security priorities.
He said his mission would involve “strengthening bilateral relations in security, trade, and investment,” while ensuring that Nigeria’s values and reputation were projected with clarity and credibility.
The ambassador further said the assignment would go beyond conventional diplomatic engagements to include shaping international conversations, securing advantages for Nigeria, protecting Nigerians abroad and strengthening the country’s national image.
“It also means shaping conversations, securing advantages, protecting citizens, and promoting Nigeria’s national image,” he said.
Oke’s appointment comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s longstanding strategic relationship with France, with both countries maintaining cooperation across security, economic, diplomatic and cultural spheres.
His stated priorities suggest that economic diplomacy and security cooperation are expected to feature prominently in his engagement with the French government, businesses and other stakeholders.
The ambassador said he looked forward to a period of robust diplomatic engagement capable of producing tangible benefits for both countries.
He pledged to deploy his diplomatic assignment towards building a stronger partnership that would advance Nigeria’s interests while deepening cooperation with France.