By Muhyideen Jimoh
President Bola Tinubu has expressed Nigeria’s solidarity with Gulf nations affected during the US/Israel conflict with Iran, reaffirming support for peace, diplomacy, and regional stability.
He commended the countries for their resilience and restraint amid rising tensions, noting that measured responses remain vital to preventing further escalation in an already fragile global environment.
Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria would always stand for peace, dialogue, and cooperation, stressing the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining international order and safeguarding human lives.
The President spoke at the State House, Abuja, while receiving Letters of Credence from seven ambassadors and two high commissioners representing various countries across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
The diplomatic ceremony included envoys from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, underscoring Nigeria’s growing engagement with key partners in the Gulf region.
This development is contained in a statement issued on Thursday by Presidential Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, in Abuja.
“Let me congratulate all of you and affirm Nigeria’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait.
“We also stand with Bahrain, Oman, and Jordan in the face of recent attacks, and will always strive for global peace and stability.
“The world needs tranquillity, peace, and love. We share that solidarity with all of you in that region,” the President stated.
Tinubu’s remarks came amid heightened geopolitical tensions, which raised concerns over energy security, regional safety, and broader implications for global peace.
Among the envoys received were Qatar’s Ambassador, Yousef Al-Hail, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador, Yousef Bin Mohammed Albalawi, and Lebanon’s Ambassador, Wissam Kalakeche.
Others included Sudan’s Ambassador, Mohammed Haroun, and Namibia’s High Commissioner, Walda Ndevashiya, reflecting Nigeria’s diverse diplomatic engagements.
Also present were representatives from Rwanda, Somalia, Argentina, and the Republic of Congo, all presenting their Letters of Credence to the Nigerian leader.
Tinubu assured the diplomats that Nigeria would continue working closely with international partners to advance peace across Africa and the wider global community.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our enduring partnerships as I receive your Letters of Credence and Recall of your predecessors.
“I am confident your appointments reflect your years of service and the strength of your character.
“I request that you convey my warmest greetings and best wishes to your respective Heads of State and Government.
“Nigeria values our bonds of friendship and remains committed to deepening ties for mutual prosperity and shared progress,” he said.
The President emphasised that Nigeria’s foreign policy would continue to guide its engagement with the global community for mutual benefit and sustainable development.
Tinubu told the envoys: “You are arriving at a pivotal period in our national trajectory.
“My administration is undertaking bold reforms to reposition Nigeria as a globally competitive hub for investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.”
According to him, global challenges require collective action, warning that no nation can address complex crises in isolation.
“The world faces overlapping crises, from shifting global order to climate change, energy transitions, and counter-terrorism challenges.
“Nigeria stands ready to work with your governments, both bilaterally and multilaterally, to advocate a fairer and more secure global order,” he said.
The President encouraged the envoys to travel widely across Nigeria and experience its economic potential beyond the federal capital.
He urged them to explore the country’s cultural diversity, entrepreneurial drive, and the warmth and hospitality of its people.
Responding on behalf of the envoys, Qatar’s Ambassador thanked Tinubu for receiving them and acknowledged Nigeria’s strategic importance on the global stage.
He reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation in key sectors of mutual interest.
The envoy pledged that all ambassadors and high commissioners would work diligently to enhance diplomatic ties and deliver meaningful outcomes during their assignments in Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)