Nigeria’s Ambassador to the French Republic, Ayodele Oke, has formally assumed his diplomatic duties following the presentation of his Letters of Credence to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Mr Oke presented his letter to the French President on Monday in a brief ceremony at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French presidency.

Mr Oke has now become Nigeria’s 17th ambassador to France. He is also the latest ambassador to present his letter of credence to his host country, formally marking the resumption of duties.

Letters of credence are formal diplomatic documents issued by a country’s head of state to confirm the appointment of an ambassador or permanent representative.

They officially introduce the envoy to the receiving authority, in this case, the French President, and certify that the individual is empowered to speak and act on behalf of their nation.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that President Bola Tinubu announced new ambassadors last year and approved their posting in March. This came two years after he recalled the previous ambassadors without giving a specific reason.

During the interregnum, Nigeria operated without top representatives abroad, relying only on former foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar and the Chargé d’affaires at its embassies.

Since the posting approval, several appointees have resumed duties.

In a statement issued after the ceremony, Mr Oke said his mandate would include strengthening bilateral relations in security, trade and investment, while ensuring that Nigeria’s interests, values and international reputation are advanced with “clarity and credibility.”

He also said his broader diplomatic responsibilities included securing advantages for Nigeria, protecting Nigerian citizens and promoting the country’s national image in France.

Mr Oke’s appointment places him at the centre of the evolving Nigeria-France relations. It comes at a time when the relationship between the countries is growing stronger.

The ambassador said it “underscored the compelling need to elevate and recalibrate the partnership between Nigeria and France.”