President Bola Tinubu Expected to Announce New Diplomatic Appointments Within Weeks
By Yahaya Zakka
President Bola Tinubu is set to appoint new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions in key countries in the coming weeks, according to high-level sources within the presidency.
This development aims to address concerns over the prolonged absence of substantive diplomatic representatives, which has impacted Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, particularly with strategic nations such as the United States amid ongoing tensions related to allegations of Christian persecution.
In September 2023, Tinubu recalled all Nigerian diplomats from 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide to review the country’s foreign policy strategy. Since that time, the process of selecting and appointing new ambassadors has experienced significant delays, extending over two years into the current administration.
During this period, missions have been managed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officials. By April 2025, sources indicated that the government had completed vetting and security background checks for the shortlisted candidates.
The President previously cited political complexities as reasons for the delay, emphasizing the difficulty in making multiple appointments simultaneously. In September, he acknowledged the ongoing process and expressed appreciation for public patience.
Recently, officials disclosed that the President ordered a final review of the ambassadorial shortlist before its formal announcement, following discoveries that some candidates had passed away or were otherwise ineligible due to retirement. The list was subsequently returned for necessary adjustments.
A senior government official assured that the final stages are nearing completion, with the focus on key countries, and that the official announcement is imminent, expected within the next few weeks.
