Nigeria’s new High Commissioner to Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Solomon Islands and other Oceanic states, Femi Pedro, has formally assumed duty after presenting his Letters of Credence to Australia’s Governor-General, Sam Mostyn, in Canberra.
In a statement shared on Tuesday via his Facebook page, Mr Pedro described the development as “not just a ceremonial milestone but a call to action,” signalling a renewed focus on strengthening bilateral and regional partnerships.
He said Nigeria and Australia share “a uniquely rich and evolving partnership” anchored on mutual respect and Commonwealth values, adding that his mission would prioritise expanded cooperation in critical minerals, agricultural innovation, education, and fintech.
Mr Pedro also reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness for deeper economic engagement, stating that “Nigeria is open for business.”
He also expressed his intention to work closely with Australian authorities and regional partners to advance trade, investment, education, and cultural exchange.
Addressing Nigerians in Australia and across the Oceanic States, Mr Pedro noted that he carries not only the mandate of President Bola Tinubu but also the identity, aspirations, hard work and pride of the diaspora community.
He said his posting reflects Nigeria’s renewed foreign policy doctrine centred on the “4Ds” — Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
Mr Pedro pledged to embed Nigeria’s national values charter across all diplomatic engagements to strengthen the country’s identity across the Pacific.
“You are the face of Nigeria in this region, so let us work together as partners in nation-building. I am here for you, and our mission is open for engagement,” he told the diaspora community.
Representatives of the Governor-General of Australia and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade attended the ceremony.
With the presentation of credentials complete, the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra is now fully operational across its Oceanic jurisdictions. “The world is watching Nigeria. Now, we deliver,” the High Commissioner said.
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Biography
The diplomat was the Lagos State Deputy Governor from 2002 to 2007. He served alongside Mr Tinubu, who was the then-governor of the state.
Born in 1955, Mr Pedro started his academic pursuit at St. Stephen Primary School and continued at Ahmadiyya College, Agege.
His pursuit of higher education led him to graduate with merit from the University of Wisconsin–Superior (1976–1978) with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and from Wichita State University (1979–1981) with a Master’s Degree in Economics.
In 1986, he became an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, London. He was elected the Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, Lagos Branch, between 1996 and 2000.
Mr Pedro was the co-owner and the Chief Executive Officer of First Atlantic Bank (First City Monument Bank) and a founding member of Guaranty Trust Bank.