Eighteen months after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled all ambassadors, the federal government has finally commenced the screening process for their replacements, signaling an imminent end to the prolonged diplomatic vacuum.
According to sources cited by Reuters, background checks on potential candidates are currently underway, with the gathered intelligence being shared among key agencies within the presidency and the legislature. The long-awaited appointments are expected to be announced “very soon.”
President Tinubu had recalled all career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023, just six months into his tenure. While consuls-general and chargés d’affaires have since been appointed to manage diplomatic affairs, Nigeria has continued to operate without officially designated ambassadors, raising concerns over its foreign policy direction.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar previously attributed the delay to funding constraints. However, a government source insists the issue “is being resolved,” clearing the path for fresh appointments.
Despite receiving envoys from various countries, Nigeria’s absence of high-ranking diplomatic representatives has drawn criticism, with analysts warning that it may affect the nation’s global standing. To address these concerns, the federal government has earmarked N302.4 billion for foreign missions in the 2025 budget, ensuring that the new ambassadors will have the necessary resources to execute their duties effectively.
With the screening process now in full swing, the stage is set for the long-overdue announcement, as Nigeria moves to reassert its presence on the global diplomatic stage.