The administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has begun dispatching consular officers to Nigerian embassies globally in anticipation of a new ambassadorial list.
AFRIPOST gathered that this move comes after the recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023, part of a reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy under Tinubu.
These ambassadors, including both career diplomats and political appointees, were directed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, marking a shift aimed at reshaping the country’s international relations.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, clarified that the decision to recall was made by the President and forms part of an effort to strengthen Nigeria’s global standing.
However, the delay in appointing new ambassadors has left a gap in diplomatic representation, sparking concern from stakeholders.
In April 2024, interim appointments included 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires across 14 countries, but these roles lack the full authority of ambassadors to engage at top diplomatic levels.
Tuggar noted in May that budgetary constraints have delayed permanent appointments, a situation former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Ode suggested may require additional funding from the government.
This delay reflects past practices, such as during former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, where ambassadorial positions were also delayed by several months.
Concerns have been raised that such prolonged delays might signal a lack of diplomatic prioritization, which could harm Nigeria’s reputation and discourage foreign investments.
An anonymous source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed frustration over the silence from the government regarding these diplomatic vacancies. “No one is informed about the plans for these roles,” the source noted.
Retired diplomats, including Ambassadors Ogbole Amedu-Ode and Rasheed Akinkuolie, have also voiced concerns, urging reform to address the financial and staffing issues affecting Nigerian missions.
Akinkuolie emphasized the importance of resident ambassadors for maintaining meaningful engagement with host governments, suggesting that missions be funded through dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria, while domestic ministry operations could continue in local currency.
“It’s essential to have resident ambassadors at key posts since chargés d’affaires often have limited access to high-level officials, such as heads of state.
“They generally interact only with foreign ministries,” Akinkuolie told The PUNCH. He also stressed the importance of a streamlined appointment process to ensure missions are effectively staffed and funded.
Despite these issues, some consular officers have already reported to new postings in countries like Malaysia, Spain, and Brazil, while others are set to assume duties in the coming weeks.
One official disclosed, “Yes, some colleagues departed in recent weeks, and I am scheduled to leave later this month. New staff from the Foreign Affairs Ministry are replacing those posted abroad.” Another source at the Presidency confirmed, “My posting came as part of routine assignments.”