Nigeria’s New Envoy Presents Credentials in Lusaka,Pledges Deeper Ties

Her Excellency Ambassador (Mrs) Efe A. Clark-Omeru, JP, has formally begun her tour of duty as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to Zambia after presenting her Letters of Credence to President Hakainde Hichilema at State House in Lusaka on 18 September 2026.

The ceremony marked the official accreditation of the seasoned diplomat, who arrived in Zambia in July. She was accompanied by Mrs C.A. Epelle, Nigeria’s former Acting High Commissioner. Clark-Omeru was among eight newly accredited envoys received that day, representing Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands and Guinea.

In her address, the High Commissioner conveyed the warm fraternal greetings and best wishes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to President Hichilema and the people of Zambia. On behalf of the Nigerian leader, she congratulated Hichilema on his re-election for a second term in the August 2026 general elections.

Clark-Omeru underscored the deep historical bonds between the two countries, rooted in shared interests, mutual respect, Pan-African solidarity and a common history of support for the struggle against colonialism and apartheid in Southern Africa. She expressed Nigeria’s readiness to strengthen bilateral relations through existing agreements and new partnerships in agriculture, mining and solid minerals, trade and investment, education, tourism, the creative economy, science and technology, and the deployment of volunteers under the Technical Aid Corps Scheme.

President Hichilema, who received the envoys as Zambia transitions from economic stabilisation to growth under his “Grow Zambia Agenda,” emphasised economic diplomacy as the cornerstone of his administration’s foreign policy. He urged the diplomats to translate relations into concrete results—investment, trade, tourism and technology transfer—with a focus on local value addition and job creation for the country’s youthful population. “Let us turn diplomacy into tangible results and prosperity,” he said, stressing the need for stronger business-to-business, people-to-people and government-to-government partnerships.

Hichilema also highlighted peace, security and stability as essential foundations for sustainable development, called for affordable access to capital, and noted plans to upgrade four provincial airports to international standards to boost tourism. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area and greater intra-African trade.

In a private discussion, Clark-Omeru drew attention to the significant contributions of Nigerian businesses and professionals already operating in Zambia, including Dangote Cement, Access Bank Zambia, UBA Zambia, Sahara Group, Harvest Group, Atlas Group, Naija Chops and Tasty Bite. She conveyed Nigeria’s interest in exploring a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to establish direct air links between the two countries, which she said would facilitate trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contact. President Hichilema acknowledged the positive role of Nigerian enterprises and noted efforts to improve the business environment.

Following the formal ceremony, the High Commissioner hosted a reception at the Nigeria High Commission in Lusaka. Attended by leaders of the Nigerian community and representatives of major Nigerian firms—including Access Bank, Harvest Group, UBA, Sahara Energy and Dangote Cement—the gathering provided an opportunity for Clark-Omeru to reaffirm the Mission’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerians in Zambia while advancing Nigeria’s economic interests, values and image.

Access Bank Zambia Managing Director Dr Iheanyi Nwogu pledged full support for initiatives promoting shared prosperity. Harvest Group’s representative conveyed the company’s continental vision, while Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Zambia President Apostle Barrister Joel Akobaro Joseph emphasised the responsibility of the diaspora to uphold Nigeria’s dignity and positive image.

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Born in 1972 in Kiagbodo, Delta State, Ambassador Clark-Omeru brings extensive experience to the posting. She previously served as Nigeria’s first female Consul General for the Littoral and West Regions of Cameroon, and held diplomatic assignments in South Africa and Argentina, as well as roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, State House and Nigeria’s mission in London. She holds royal status as Queen by marriage to HRM Michael G. Omeru, the Ovie of Agbon Kingdom.

The presentation of credentials signals a renewed push for practical, results-oriented cooperation between Nigeria and Zambia at a pivotal moment for both nations.