Cultural diplomacy represents a significant dimension of Nigeria’s foreign relations, enabling the nation to project its identity, foster international understanding, and enhance global partnerships. Nigerian cultural institutions, including museums, arts councils, performance troupes, and heritage organisations, play a central role in promoting the nation’s arts, literature, music, and festivals beyond its borders. Through international exhibitions, cultural exchanges, diaspora engagement, and collaborative initiatives, Nigeria leverages its rich cultural diversity to shape perceptions, counter stereotypes, and strengthen soft power. Despite these efforts, challenges such as insufficient funding, policy fragmentation, infrastructural limitations, low digital capacity, and limited global visibility constrain the effectiveness of cultural diplomacy. Opportunities for improvement lie in digital innovation, enhanced government support, investment in creative industries, international partnerships, and strengthened cultural education. Harnessing these pathways can enable Nigeria to maximise the strategic value of its culture in foreign policy, increase global cultural influence, and reinforce national identity. This study highlights the multifaceted role of cultural diplomacy and the imperative for cohesive, well-resourced, and innovative approaches to advance Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.