The Federal Government has begun screening candidates for ambassadorial appointments across Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide, according to findings by Sunday PUNCH.
Credible sources disclosed that former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro are among the individuals being considered for diplomatic postings.
The vetting process is reportedly decentralized, with nominees directed to report to the nearest Department of State Services (DSS) office for security checks.
Presidency insiders confirmed that candidates have been asked to submit educational and professional records as part of the scrutiny.
“The DSS is already conducting background checks. Once candidates are cleared, the official list will be released—likely before April ends,” an official said anonymously.
Another insider noted that the decentralized approach to screening helps speed up documentation and location-based verifications.
The nominee list remains under wraps due to the sensitivity of some names, sources added.
Since recalling over 83 ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a comprehensive foreign policy overhaul under President Bola Tinubu’s “4Ds” strategy—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—Nigeria has operated its foreign missions without ambassadors.
Although the President initially planned to forward the new list to the National Assembly before December 2024, insider reports suggest financial constraints halted progress.
Over $1 billion is said to be required for the overhaul of foreign missions, which includes debt settlement, building renovations, and replacement of outdated vehicles.
“It’s not just about ambassadorial salaries. The real challenge is capital expenditure,” a government official explained.
“Some missions are barely functional—no power, water, or even usable vehicles.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar previously attributed the delays to funding shortages.
Speaking during a May 2024 briefing, he emphasized the need for financial support to make ambassadorial appointments meaningful.
“You can’t send ambassadors abroad if they lack the resources to function properly,” he said.
Although the exact list remains secret, sources confirmed that controversial figures like Fani-Kayode and Femi Pedro are on the shortlist, alongside respected names such as Fola Adeola.
A source denied speculation that Reno Omokri was among the nominees.
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga stated that the ambassadorial list comprises both political and career appointments and must undergo thorough internal vetting before submission to lawmakers.
Despite efforts to reach some nominees for comment, they reportedly declined to speak on the matter.