By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations and advancing regional cooperation following the formal presentation of Letters of Credence by Nigeria’s Ambassador to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Ezenwa Chukwuemeka Nwaobiala.
The ceremony, held at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan on 18 June 2026, officially marked the commencement of Ambassador Nwaobiala’s diplomatic assignment after his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The envoy was accompanied by his wife, Lady Chidinma Nwaobiala, during the presentation to President Alassane Ouattara. 
During the event, Ambassador Nwaobiala conveyed the goodwill of the Nigerian President to his Ivorian counterpart and reaffirmed Abuja’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing relationship between the two West African nations.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Ouattara welcomed the Nigerian envoy and underscored the importance of the enduring friendship between both countries, expressing his willingness to work closely with the ambassador to expand cooperation in areas of shared interest, particularly regional integration and economic development.
The ceremony highlighted the strong diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire and reinforced their common resolve to promote peace, stability and prosperity across the West African sub-region.
Speaking later at a reception organised in his honour by members of the Nigerian community in Côte d’Ivoire, Ambassador Nwaobiala reflected on the deep historical and cultural links between the two countries.
The ambassador also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the confidence placed in him, pledging to serve Nigeria with dedication and integrity.
“Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are bound not only by geography, but by history, shared aspirations and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of African unity and prosperity.
“I express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the confidence reposed in me and pledge to undertake my responsibility as Ambassador with humility, a sense of duty and firm resolve to advance the enduring interests of Nigeria while strengthening the bonds of friendship and partnership between the two brotherly nations”, he said.
Ambassador Nwaobiala further assured Nigerians and his host country of his determination to promote stronger cooperation and mutual understanding throughout his tenure.
He pledged his “commitment to fostering greater understanding, mutual respect and productive collaboration for the benefit of the peoples of the two countries,” while urging the international community to embrace dialogue and partnership as the foundation for global progress.
“Nations around the world should continue to build bridges and partnerships, in place of walls and partitions”, he added.
His presentation of credentials comes as Nigeria continues to strengthen diplomatic engagement across Africa, with renewed emphasis on regional integration, economic cooperation and collective efforts to advance peace, security and sustainable development within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and beyond.
