Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Nigeria's Ambassador-Designate to the Republic of Portugal, Her Excellency Erelu Angela Adebayo, has taken a significant step toward officially assuming her diplomatic responsibilities with the formal presentation of copies of her Letters of Credence to the Portuguese government. The ceremony, which marks an important diplomatic milestone, was held on Monday, July 20, 2026, according to a statement issued by the Spokesperson of Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Adebayo presented the documents to Ambassador Francisco Ribeiro Telles, the Secretary-General of Portugal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in accordance with established diplomatic protocol. "Her Excellency, Erelu Angela Adebayo, Ambassador-Designate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Portugal, today formally presented copies of her Letters of Credence (copies d'usage) to Ambassador Francisco Ribeiro Telles, the Secretary-General of the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs," the statement read.
The presentation of the Copies d'Usage signifies the commencement of the ambassador-designate's official diplomatic engagements with the host country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs while preparations are made for the formal accreditation ceremony before the Head of State. Upon the presentation of her Letters of Credence to President António José Seguro, Ambassador Adebayo will formally assume her duties as Nigeria's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Portugal.
Adebayo, who was among the 65 ambassadors-designate approved by President Bola Tinubu in March 2026, arrived in Lisbon earlier this month to assume her duties. Her appointment underscores Nigeria's commitment to deepening its strategic partnership with Portugal and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest for the benefit of both nations. The ambassador-designate is expected to play a strategic role in strengthening Nigeria-Portugal relations, with a focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, diplomacy, and cultural exchange.
The presentation of the credentials marks the formal commencement of Adebayo's diplomatic engagement with the Portuguese authorities ahead of the presentation of her full letters of credence to the country's President. The formal presentation to the Portuguese President represents the final stage before full accreditation as Nigeria's envoy. Adebayo's assumption of duty comes at a time when Nigeria is actively seeking to diversify its foreign partnerships and boost foreign direct investment. Her tenure is expected to further consolidate the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and Portugal, building on existing cooperation in areas such as energy, education, and technology transfer.
Born on September 23, 1958, Adebayo received her early education at Queen's College, Yaba, before earning a BSc in Social Sciences from the University of Ibadan in 1979. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role as Nigeria's top diplomat in Lisbon.
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