President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is poised to appoint a new set of ambassadors in the coming weeks, ending a prolonged diplomatic vacuum that has drawn public criticism and weakened Nigeria’s representation across major foreign missions. Multiple high-ranking presidency officials confirmed the development, noting that the final review of the ambassadorial list is nearing completion.
The anticipated announcement comes at a time when Nigeria’s global image and diplomatic influence have been tested, especially in strategic nations such as the United States, where the country has faced intense scrutiny following the alleged Christian genocide controversy.
In September 2023, President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors from 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide. The move was part of a major reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. However, more than two years into his administration, the appointment of new envoys has remained stalled by political, logistical, and administrative challenges.
During this period, diplomatic missions have been run by chargés d’affaires and senior consular officers who lack the authority, influence, and political weight of substantive ambassadors. Critics argue that the prolonged delay has diminished Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility at a time when strategic global engagement is most critical.
Presidency insiders revealed that the Federal Government had concluded security vetting, background checks, and other clearance procedures for nominees as early as April 2025. Despite this, political considerations especially the delicate task of balancing regional, religious, and party interests hampered final approval.
President Tinubu himself admitted in September that the process was complicated:
“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for. But it’s not easy stitching those names.”
Last week, multiple sources confirmed that the President had ordered a “final cleanup” of the list to address new developments. Some nominees have reportedly died, retired, or become otherwise ineligible since the list was first drafted, prompting the Senate to return it to the presidency for revision.
One senior official said:
“The final process is almost completed. The President is committed to making the appointments, and the announcement will come in the next few weeks… Only ambassadors to major countries will be appointed.”
Another presidency source added that the list would likely be released before the end of November, though he declined to give a precise date.
Amid growing unease over the prolonged leadership vacuum, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs has intensified oversight of foreign mission expenditure. In October, the committee summoned Minister Yusuf Tuggar and several Heads of Missions to provide detailed accounts of how budgeted funds were used.
Invoking Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution, Committee Chairman Oluwole Oke issued formal letters requesting spending records for the 2025 fiscal year. This followed earlier investigations into a scandal involving the alleged mismanagement of $2 million meant for renovating Nigeria’s Permanent Representative’s residence at the UN Headquarters in New York.
As public pressure mounts and Nigeria’s diplomatic responsibilities grow more urgent, all eyes are now on the presidency. With final reviews nearing completion, the nation expects President Tinubu to unveil a new set of ambassadors capable of restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic stature and strengthening global alliances.
