Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, has formally assumed office as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Australia, pledging to deepen economic cooperation, boost trade and investment, and strengthen engagement with Nigerians living across Australia and the Pacific region.
Pedro officially commenced his diplomatic duties after presenting his Letters of Credence to the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, in a ceremony that marks the beginning of his tenure as Nigeria’s envoy to Australia, with concurrent accreditation to New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands and other Oceanic states.
Describing the occasion as more than a ceremonial event, the envoy said his appointment represented a call to action aimed at expanding Nigeria’s footprint in one of the world’s most dynamic regions.
He noted that Nigeria and Australia enjoy a growing relationship anchored on shared Commonwealth values and mutual respect, stressing that both countries possess enormous opportunities for collaboration in strategic sectors, including critical minerals, agricultural innovation, education, technology and financial services.
According to him, Nigeria is open for business and ready to forge stronger partnerships capable of delivering economic growth and mutual prosperity.
Pedro pledged to work closely with the Australian government and stakeholders across the Pacific to attract investments, promote educational cooperation and encourage cultural exchanges that would benefit both nations.
The envoy also assured Nigerians residing in Australia and across the Oceanic states that the Nigerian mission under his leadership would remain accessible and responsive to their needs.
He said he was assuming office carrying not only the mandate of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but also the hopes and aspirations of Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
The High Commissioner disclosed that his diplomatic engagements would be guided by the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy doctrine anchored on the four pillars of Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy, while also promoting the National Values Charter as part of efforts to project a positive image of Nigeria globally.
He urged Nigerians in the region to see themselves as ambassadors of the country and partners in nation-building, noting that the diaspora community remains a critical asset in advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Nigeria and Australia have in recent years expanded cooperation in trade, mining, education and security, with both countries increasingly exploring opportunities in the critical minerals sector amid the global transition to clean energy. Australia is also home to a growing Nigerian community, many of whom are contributing significantly to academia, healthcare, business and technology.
Pedro’s assumption of office comes at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying economic diplomacy and seeking to leverage its diaspora communities to attract investments, promote exports and strengthen bilateral relations with key partners across the world.
