Diplomatic Void Sparks Concern As Nigeria Delays Ambassadorial Appointments.
The prolonged absence of ambassadors in Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions worldwide has raised alarm among career diplomats, who fear the delay is undermining the nation’s global influence. Over a year after President Bola Tinubu recalled all 83 envoys in September 2023, no replacements have been appointed, leaving embassies, high commissions, and consulates reliant on junior diplomats to manage critical international relations.
The recall, which included 41 non-career and 42 career diplomats, was ordered without a clear explanation, and the subsequent failure to appoint new ambassadors has drawn sharp criticism. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) described the situation as a “diplomatic embarrassment,” arguing it has weakened Nigeria’s standing on the global stage. The party highlighted that consuls-general and chargés d’affaires, who currently oversee operations, lack the authority to engage in high-level negotiations or represent Nigeria at key diplomatic forums, such as state visits or trade summits.
Veteran diplomat Ambassador Sulaiman Dahiru, who served in Sudan, Brazil, and as Permanent Representative at the United Nations, expressed dismay at the prolonged vacancy. He warned that the absence of ambassadors could be interpreted by host nations as a downgrade in diplomatic relations, limiting Nigeria’s ability to secure trade deals or investment opportunities. Dahiru also noted the impact on career diplomats nearing retirement, many of whom may miss their chance to serve as envoys due to Nigeria’s civil service rules mandating retirement at age 60 or after 35 years of service.
The delay has also sparked practical concerns. The ADC pointed to worsening visa and consular disputes with countries like the United States and the United Arab Emirates, attributing these to the lack of ambassadorial representation. Former ambassador Ogbole Amedu-Ode echoed these sentiments, stating that chargés d’affaires, typically at the director level, cannot access the highest echelons of host governments, which is critical during state visits or bilateral negotiations. He cited President Tinubu’s recent trips to France and South Africa, noting that the absence of ambassadors likely diminished Nigeria’s ability to capitalise on agreements signed during these visits.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has acknowledged the issue, attributing the delay to financial constraints and the need for thorough vetting. In May 2024, Tuggar revealed that a list of prospective ambassadors had been forwarded to the President a year prior, but funding shortages have hindered progress. He stressed that appointing ambassadors without adequate resources to support their missions would be ineffective. However, a presidency source indicated that new appointments may be announced soon, pending Senate confirmation, with security checks already completed for some nominees.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to disregard fake lists of ambassadorial nominees circulating online, clarifying that only the President has the authority to make such appointments. Meanwhile, diplomats like Amedu-Ode have warned that Nigeria risks losing ground in global diplomacy, with other nations capitalising on the vacuum. One recalled ambassador, speaking anonymously, noted that countries like France maintain full representation in Nigeria, ensuring their interests are prioritised in bilateral agreements, while Nigeria’s lack of envoys hampers follow-through.
As Nigeria navigates a complex global landscape, the absence of ambassadors has left its 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates understaffed at the highest level. With critical diplomatic engagements on the horizon, including potential meetings with world leaders, the government faces mounting pressure to resolve this issue and restore Nigeria’s voice on the international stage.
