President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is finalising a fresh list of ambassadorial nominees following months of delay occasioned by deaths, retirements, and eligibility issues among earlier picks.
Presidency sources confirmed that the new list, which has undergone several revisions, is now in its final stage and will soon be transmitted to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The move is expected to restore full diplomatic representation to Nigeria’s foreign missions, most of which have been headed by chargés d’affaires since 2023 when President Tinubu recalled all serving ambassadors.
The recall, made shortly after Tinubu assumed office, was part of an effort to restructure Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery and ensure that new envoys reflected the administration’s diplomatic priorities. However, the delay in announcing replacements had left many Nigerian missions under temporary leadership, reducing the country’s diplomatic visibility at a time of increasing global engagement.
The development comes amid growing tension between Nigeria and the United States following former President Donald Trump’s recent remarks threatening possible military action against Nigeria over alleged religious persecution. Diplomatic analysts believe the absence of substantive ambassadors has weakened Nigeria’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to such international provocations.
A senior official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the President has instructed that the new list must include career diplomats and qualified political nominees capable of defending Nigeria’s interests abroad.
“The delay was largely due to the need for a thorough review of the earlier submissions,” the source said. “Some nominees passed on, some retired, and others were replaced due to new geopolitical considerations. The final list is ready and will be made public soon.”
The new appointments are also expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement with key partners, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and member states of the African Union.
With the rising geopolitical tension in the West African subregion and increased scrutiny from global powers, the forthcoming ambassadorial postings are seen as part of a broader effort by President Tinubu to reassert Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and on the global stage.