Tinubu in his office.webp
The Digest:

President Bola Tinubu is finalizing the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, a critical move coming after more than two years of diplomatic vacancies and amid escalating tensions with the United States over former President Donald Trump’s military threats.

Key Points:
  • President Tinubu has ordered a “final cleanup” of the ambassador nominee list.
  • The list requires updates due to deaths, retirements, and the ineligibility of some nominees.
  • The Senate has already screened the initial list, which is now being revised.
  • Chargés d’affaires have led Nigeria’s 109 missions since envoys were recalled in 2023.
  • The push comes as Trump’s threats highlight the need for full diplomatic representation.
  • Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar is scheduled to meet Tinubu, likely on the appointments.
  • Funding shortages had previously stalled the postings, with over $1bn needed for missions.
As global pressures mount, filling these posts is essential to restoring Nigeria’s voice and leverage on the world stage.

Sources: The PUNCH