Nearly two years after President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, the federal government has begun vetting candidates for replacements. Intelligence agencies are conducting background checks, and appointments are expected soon. The delay was attributed to financial constraints, but with N302.4 billion allocated for foreign missions, new envoys may be named soon.
Nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, the federal government has begun vetting candidates for their replacements, signaling that new appointments may be announced soon.
Sources familiar with the development revealed that thorough background checks are being conducted on potential nominees, with intelligence agencies involved in the process. Information gathered during the vetting is being shared with key stakeholders within the presidency and the National Assembly to facilitate the selection process.
President Tinubu recalled all career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023, just six months into his administration. While consuls-general and chargés d’affaires have since been appointed to oversee diplomatic affairs, the absence of officially designated ambassadors has raised concerns among foreign diplomats and international partners about Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement.
The prolonged delay in appointing new envoys has been attributed to financial constraints. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar previously stated that the government lacked the necessary funds to facilitate the appointments, leading to prolonged vacancies. However, a government official disclosed that the issue is now being addressed, paving the way for imminent announcements.
With N302.4 billion allocated for foreign missions in the 2025 budget, expectations are high that the ambassadorial appointments will soon be finalized, restoring full diplomatic representation for Nigeria on the global stage.
