The prolonged delay by the Federal Government in appointing new ambassadors has raised concerns within diplomatic circles, with fears that many senior career diplomats may lose the opportunity to serve as envoys before retirement.
Under Nigeria’s civil service rules, officers must retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years in service, whichever comes first.
All serving ambassadors were recalled in September 2023, four months after President Bola Tinubu assumed office. At the time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the president and could be recalled at any time.
A former presidential aide, Ajuri Ngelale, later clarified that the decision followed the President’s “careful study” of Nigeria’s foreign missions, in line with the administration’s renewed hope agenda to improve efficiency and service delivery.
Since then, Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions have been under the management of charge d’affaires, with reports of funding shortfalls and staffing challenges.
Retired diplomats have expressed concern over the situation, warning that the delay is undermining the career prospects of seasoned officers.
“Career diplomats are being shortchanged and most of them may not have the opportunity of representing the country as ambassadors because of this delay,” one retired envoy said.
Another retired diplomat described the situation as demoralising, noting that ambassadorial appointment represents the peak of achievement for career officers.
In April 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that a list of nominees for ambassadorial appointments had been submitted to the president. However, more than a year after the recall of envoys, appointments have yet to be announced.
“The president has to forward the names to the Senate for screening, and thereafter, ambassadors will be assigned to their missions,” Tuggar explained, attributing the delay partly to government’s focus on economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
He disclosed that the nomination list included both career diplomats and political appointees.
As part of the 2025 budget, the Federal Government proposed N2.1 billion for ambassadorial postings and entitlements, and N53 billion for the renovation of 103 foreign missions, covering chanceries, staff quarters, residences, furniture, and official vehicles.
Speaking on the matter, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, admitted that some senior officials nearing retirement may be affected by the delay, but said the number “may not be as high as speculated.”
“Mr. President will soon send the list of prospective ambassadors to the National Assembly for consideration and confirmation to put the matter to rest,” he assured.
