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Nigeria Left Without Representation As Tinubu Delays Ambassadorial Appointments

Published

18 hours ago

Dec 15, 2024.

Concerns are mounting over the prolonged absence of ambassadors in Nigeria’s 109 missions globally, as President Bola Tinubu delays the appointments following the recall of 83 career and non-career envoys in May 2023.

Government sources have revealed that the nominees’ names would be transmitted to the National Assembly before the end of December.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that upon taking office, Tinubu reviewed Nigeria’s foreign policy and directed the ambassadors to return by October 31, 2023.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, justified the recall, emphasizing the President’s prerogative to make such decisions. Despite this, 16 months later, no replacements have been appointed, creating a vacuum in diplomatic representation.

While Tinubu has attended several international engagements during this period, the delay in ambassadorial appointments has raised concerns. A senior official disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had forwarded a list of career diplomats to the President, but approval and submission to the National Assembly have yet to occur.

In April 2024, 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires were appointed to represent Nigeria in 14 countries. However, these interim officials lack the diplomatic authority of ambassadors, limiting their ability to engage in high-level negotiations.

Former Nigerian diplomats have expressed concerns about the country’s absence from key international discussions, warning of long-term reputational damage.

Tinubu Ambassadorial Appointments

Dr. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, a former ambassador, noted that while chargés d’affaires maintain continuity, their limited authority places missions at a disadvantage during critical negotiations. Similarly, retired Consul Rasheed Akinkuolie cautioned that host nations might perceive the absence of ambassadors as a sign of instability.

An anonymous government official acknowledged the growing expectations for new appointments, emphasizing that the delay hampers Nigeria’s ability to influence global affairs. The official added that major international decisions are being stalled due to the absence of substantive envoys, leaving Nigeria underrepresented at critical global platforms.

The diplomatic community and stakeholders now eagerly await the resolution of this issue, hoping for prompt action from the Tinubu administration to restore Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.