Top Media Aide, Lagos Ex-Deputy Gov May Get Appointment As Tinubu Names New Ambassadors After France, S’Africa Visits

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to submit the list of ambassadors-designate to the Nigeria Senate for screening and confirmation.

Naija News understands that the nominees will represent Nigeria as ambassadors and high commissioners in various countries and multilateral organizations. Sources familiar with the matter revealed that the list would be sent to the Senate in early December.

This comes 14 months after 83 ambassadors were recalled in September 2023. Nigeria currently has 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally.

Recall that on November 21, 2024, the Federal Government had started deploying consular officers to diplomatic missions worldwide, ahead of the anticipated ambassadorial list.

President Tinubu is presently on a state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron. Following this, he is scheduled to visit South Africa, marking his second trip to the country since attending President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration in June.

Upon assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu initiated a review of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which led to the recall of 83 ambassadors—both career and non-career. These envoys were directed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023. However, the roles have remained vacant, creating a significant diplomatic void.

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) mandates that ambassadorial appointments must be made by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

On March 25, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed that the ministry had forwarded a list of potential career diplomats to the President for consideration.

“We have collated everything on our part and forwarded it to Mr. President,” Tuggar said. Although it is unclear whether the nominees are primarily career or political diplomats, indications suggest a preference for the former.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, the nomination process requires thorough vetting.

“The ambassadorial list has two components: career and political ambassadors. The foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will still go through certain processes before it is released,” he explained.

A government official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the appointment timeline: “Ambassadorial appointments require approval from the National Assembly. So, the list will be submitted to the Senate President, who will then announce it. But it has not been submitted yet. Once submitted, the Senate will publish it the following day.”

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries. However, these roles do not carry the full diplomatic authority needed for high-level engagements.

Budget constraints have also contributed to the delay in appointing new ambassadors. In May, the Minister of Foreign Affairs attributed the delay to funding issues, while a former ministry spokesperson indicated that appointments would hinge on budget allocations.

A senior Foreign Service official indicated that while nominees may be named in early December, their deployment could take several months.

“It’s long overdue. The Senate will screen those appointed, and once approved, the host country conducts background checks before accepting them,” the official explained to The PUNCH.

Reports suggest that a senior official in the President’s media team is among those slated for an ambassadorial role.

Other names being considered include a founder of a tier-one bank, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and the Speaker of a House of Assembly in the North.

The delay in appointing ambassadors has sparked concerns about Nigeria’s diplomatic effectiveness.

“Many decisions are on hold because our missions and embassies are still expecting new diplomats. Major meetings are happening around the world without us because we have no representation at such levels,” an official stated.

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