The delay in appointing ambassadors by President Bola Tinubu has raised concerns about Nigeria’s foreign policy and diplomatic relations. Since recalling Nigerian envoys in September 2023, the country’s 109 diplomatic missions have been without full diplomatic representation in the rank of ambassadors.
According to retired diplomat Ambassador Suleiman Dahiru, the president should have appointed new ambassadors immediately after recalling the former ones. This delay has affected career officers who were overdue for ambassadorial appointments, as some may now be ineligible due to nearing retirement.
Another former diplomat highlighted that lower cadre officers may face limitations in handling serious issues, as they may not be allowed to have meetings with foreign ministers of host countries. This could potentially strain relationships between Nigeria and other countries.
Former Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Joe Keshi, explained that the nomination, screening, and clearance process for ambassadors can be lengthy. It may take up to six months or even a year for ambassadors to be in place, considering the necessary agreements and approvals from host countries.
He stated: “You don’t just call somebody and say, ‘you go to America’. When you agree on the person you want to send, you have to send his papers and every other thing to the country and until they accept, you don’t announce…This could take six months or even a year in some cases.’’
The lack of full diplomatic representation at Nigeria’s embassies and missions poses a risk to the country’s foreign policy objectives. The appointment of ambassadors is crucial for maintaining strong diplomatic relations and effectively representing Nigeria’s interests on the global stage.
