By Dianabasi Effiong
Ambassador Ita Enang, Nigeria’s new envoy to Europe’s largest economy, formally assumed office on Thursday, with the presentation of his Letters of Credence to the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Enang’s media team stated that the presentation took place at a ceremony in the Bellevue Palace, Berlin.
Enang presented three instruments during the brief but symbolic ceremony, to Steinmeier on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.
They were Letters of Credence, accrediting him as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany; Letter of Recall, formally withdrawing Nigeria’s immediate past Ambassador; as well as Letter of Appointment, confirming his nomination and posting to Berlin.
Steinmeier, while welcoming Enang, expressed Germany’s readiness to work closely with Nigeria on shared priorities, including economic cooperation, security, and the welfare of citizens of both countries.
Following the presentation, the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin hosted a reception in honour of Enang as the official flag bearer of Nigeria to Germany.
The event attracted a high-level diplomatic turnout, including Ambassadors and Chargé d’Affaires of other countries accredited to Germany, senior officials of the German Federal Foreign Office, and representatives of international organisations based in Berlin.
It was also well attended by leaders and members of the Nigerian Community in Germany, with a strong delegation from the Akwa Ibom Community in Berlin.
Community leaders described the appointment as a proud moment for Nigeria and for Akwa Ibom State, noting Enang’s long record in public service.
In his remarks, Enang thanked President Tinubu for the trust placed in him and pledged to serve as “a bridge of prosperity” between Nigeria and Germany.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to deepening strategic partnership with Germany in trade, investment, energy, skills development, education, and migration management.
“My mandate is clear: to project a new Nigeria that is open for business, to protect and promote the welfare of Nigerians in Germany, and to attract German investment, technology and skills partnership into Nigeria,” Enang said.
He further highlighted opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, the blue economy, renewable energy, and Technical and Vocational Education, which aligned with both nations’ development goals.
Enang, accompanied by his wife, Dr Rose Enang, assured the Nigerian community of an open-door policy at the Embassy and promised to prioritise diaspora welfare and engagement.
He said, “We are one people, one nation. The Embassy will be home to all Nigerians. We will work together to project the best of Nigeria abroad.”
Sen. Enang’s assumption of office comes at a time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen economic ties with Germany under the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy thrust of economic diplomacy.
Nigerians in Germany expressed the hope that Enang would bring extensive legislative and executive experience to bear, having served as a Senator, Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), and SSA on Niger Delta Affairs.
The presentation marked the full accreditation of Sen. Enang as Nigeria’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Federal Republic of Germany.
