President Bola Tinubu is reportedly preparing to unveil a fresh list of ambassadors for Nigeria, nearly two years after the recall of the nation’s envoys from missions abroad.
According to information obtained by Arise News, the new appointees, who are expected to represent Nigeria in key strategic nations, could be announced as early as next week.
Reliable sources disclosed that security agencies have been directed to expedite the vetting of nominees ahead of their official confirmation.
It was further gathered that President Tinubu has ordered a final review and cleanup of the ambassadorial list before it is made public.
A senior government official familiar with the matter disclosed that the President’s move aims to “reinvigorate Nigeria’s foreign representation and ensure the country’s interests are defended more effectively on the global stage.”
The new appointments are anticipated to fill significant diplomatic gaps that have hindered Nigeria’s engagement in complex international affairs.
This development comes amid a growing diplomatic strain between Nigeria and the United States following President Donald Trump’s recent designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern.”
Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing what he described as “an organised genocide” against Christians, allegedly perpetrated by terrorists and bandits.
However, Nigeria’s authorities have strongly dismissed the allegations, maintaining that the security challenges in the country are not driven by religious or ethnic motives.
“The federal government rejects any characterisation that fuels division. The violence we face is criminal, not sectarian,” an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
Furthermore, analysts believe that Tinubu’s new diplomatic appointments could help reset Nigeria’s image abroad and rebuild trust with international partners.
“This is a timely decision,” said a foreign policy expert in Abuja. “For months, Nigeria has operated without strong representation in key capitals, which has limited its voice in global discussions.”
AFRIPOST reports that Tinubu had in 2023 ordered the recall of ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates, in what the presidency described as a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”
Also, the absence of ambassadors has diminished Nigeria’s global visibility and influence. Hence, the upcoming appointments are viewed as a crucial step toward restoring the country’s diplomatic strength and reasserting its position in international relations.