President Bola Tinubu is in the final stages of approving a new list of ambassadors to head Nigeria’s foreign missions, following months of diplomatic vacuum and increased international engagement demands.
Presidency insiders confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of nominees before the official announcement. According to senior officials, several individuals earlier screened by the Senate have since died, retired, accepted other roles, or withdrawn due to health reasons, necessitating a revised list.
“They are concluding the process now. Some nominees on the initial list are no longer eligible or available, so the list is being reviewed before release,” a senior government source disclosed.
The Senate had completed its screening months ago, but final approval stalled as the Presidency re-verified candidates and updated the selection pool.
Officials noted that the absence of fully accredited ambassadors for over two years has weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad, with many missions currently led by chargés d’affaires.
“Foreign governments don’t treat chargés d’affaires with the same level of diplomatic authority as ambassadors,” a Foreign Service official explained. “With ongoing global issues, fully accredited envoys are essential.”
Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a foreign mission restructuring initiative. However, budget constraints and bureaucratic reviews delayed replacement appointments. More than $1bn is reportedly required to settle foreign service obligations, upgrade diplomatic facilities, and support mission operations.
The renewed urgency comes amid heightened diplomatic sensitivity following statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened potential action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution claims.
One Presidency aide clarified that the ambassadorial delay did not trigger the latest U.S. controversy, but acknowledged that full diplomatic representation could ease communication in sensitive situations.
Meanwhile, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to brief President Tinubu, with insiders suggesting the ambassadorial list may top the agenda.
The administration maintains that a formal announcement is imminent once the revised list is approved.
“The President has a few remaining slots to balance political and career considerations,” a senior official noted. “Once he signs off, the list will be released.”
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