The Nigerian presidency defends the delay in appointing ambassadors, citing extensive preparations and poor conditions of inherited embassies. Senior Adviser Ademola Oshodi assures appointments will be finalized soon, noting past administrations also took time. Interim measures are in place as the government prioritizes strengthening foreign missions for optimal diplomacy.
The presidency has addressed criticism over the delay in appointing ambassadors, with President Bola Tinubu’s Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, assuring that the process will be concluded in the coming weeks.
Speaking on Channels Television's 2024 Year-In-Review program, Oshodi dismissed concerns about the 16-month gap since President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, emphasizing that the administration is committed to thorough preparations.
“The ambassadors are coming, but the most important thing we should realize is that things are being put in place,” Oshodi stated. He added that the administration inherited embassies in poor condition, necessitating time to prepare them for the incoming envoys and their families.
Critics, including former Ambassador to Benin Republic Lawrence Obisakin and ex-High Commissioner to Australia Ayoola Olukanni, have expressed concerns over the prolonged vacancy across Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions. However, Oshodi argued that interim arrangements, such as deploying chargé d’affaires and consul generals, have kept the missions operational.
Highlighting historical context, Oshodi pointed out that the previous administration under Muhammadu Buhari also took 20 months to appoint ambassadors. He urged patience, emphasizing that Tinubu’s administration is focused on ensuring a seamless transition for the new envoys.
The delay follows President Tinubu’s September 2024 directive recalling all ambassadors, just three months after his inauguration. While the Senate is yet to receive a fresh list of nominees for approval, the presidency maintains that the wait is necessary to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence.
As the nation awaits the formal announcement, observers are keen to see how these appointments will shape Nigeria's foreign relations moving forward.
