President Bola Tinubu is set to appoint new ambassadors two years after he sacked former ambassadors and Nigerian diplomats across the words.
Arise TV confirmed this morning that In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally, President Bola Tinubu is set to announce the appointment of new ambassadors to foreign missions worldwide. This move comes after months of diplomatic gaps and growing pressure over the country’s absence of envoys abroad, which has lasted for nearly two years.
According to our sources the list of the would be envoys is currently undergoing security checks and could be announced as early as next week, except there is a change of mind or plans.
The decision to recall all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions was part of a comprehensive diplomatic review initiated by President Tinubu in September 2023. Since then, most missions have been headed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited authority to represent Nigeria in formal negotiations.
According to sources, President Tinubu has ordered a final review of the list of ambassadorial nominees ahead of its imminent release. The development is seen as a significant step towards restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad and addressing the challenges posed by the absence of ambassadors.
The appointment of new ambassadors is also coming at a time of heightened diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States, following comments by former US President Donald Trump threatening military intervention in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians. The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, and the appointment of new ambassadors is seen as a step towards improving communication and diplomacy between the two countries.
The new ambassadors are expected to play a crucial role in promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad, improving the country’s global image, and attracting foreign investment. The appointment is also seen as a key aspect of President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at revamping the country’s foreign service and addressing long-standing inefficiencies in Nigeria’s external affairs.
With the list of nominees undergoing final review, stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the new ambassadors. The move is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and enhance the country’s ability to engage with international partners on key issues.
