Delayed Ambassadorial Appointments Raise Concerns Over Nigeria’s Diplomatic Representation

Mounting concerns have emerged regarding the absence of ambassadors in Nigeria’s 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide, as President Bola Tinubu continues to delay key diplomatic appointments.

Upon assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu recalibrated Nigeria’s foreign policy, prompting the recall of 83 career and non-career ambassadors by October 31, 2023. However, over a year later, replacements have yet to be appointed, leaving significant leadership gaps in Nigeria’s global representation.

Despite this delay, government officials indicated that the names of ambassadorial nominees would be transmitted to the National Assembly before the end of December 2024. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, defended the recall as the President’s prerogative, stating that ambassadors serve at his discretion.

In March 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a list of prospective career diplomats to the President. However, it remains unclear whether the final nominees will include political appointees or consist primarily of career diplomats, whose selection follows their progression through the foreign service.

While consuls-general and chargés d’affaires have been deployed to fill interim roles, experts argue that these positions lack the authority to engage at the highest levels of diplomacy, such as negotiations with heads of state or strategic international discussions.

Diplomatic Implications of the Delay

The prolonged absence of substantive ambassadors has sparked criticism from former diplomats, who caution that Nigeria’s international standing may suffer due to non-representation.

Dr. Ogbole Amedu-Ode, a former Nigerian ambassador to Mexico and Singapore, noted that key negotiations requiring ambassadorial oversight could place affected missions at a disadvantage. Similarly, retired Consul Rasheed Akinkuolie expressed concerns that host nations might interpret the delays as a sign of instability, potentially undermining Nigeria’s credibility.

“Chargés d’affaires can maintain administrative continuity, but they lack the diplomatic weight to engage with host governments at the highest levels, which includes heads of state,” Akinkuolie explained.

Government Response and Timeline

President Tinubu has faced criticism for prioritizing state visits and international engagements without addressing the leadership vacuum. Officials close to the matter suggested that the delay was procedural and assured that ambassadorial appointments were imminent.

One official stated, “If the President does not transmit the list to the Senate this week, he will certainly do so before the month‘s end. Once submitted, the Senate will publish it the following day.”

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries. However, these interim measures fall short of addressing the need for ambassadors who can engage in high-level diplomacy.

Expert Warnings

Experts warn that the delay in appointing ambassadors could have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s reputation and its ability to participate in critical global discussions. Without proper representation, the nation risks being sidelined in diplomatic engagements that shape international policies and economic partnerships.

As December approaches, all eyes remain on President Tinubu to fulfill this crucial diplomatic obligation, ensuring Nigeria’s voice is heard on the global stage and reaffirming its commitment to international cooperation.