President Bola Tinubu will unveil his list of ambassadors in the next few weeks, according to Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol.
Oshodi disclosed this on Sunday during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme.
“I believe in the next few weeks, there will be a pronouncement for the ambassadors, and steps will be taken by the Senate and accreditation to put them in place in their various missions around the world,” Oshodi stated.
Criticism Over Delay
The delay in appointing ambassadors, 16 months after President Tinubu recalled all career and political envoys, has drawn criticism. Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Benin Republic, Lawrence Obisakin, and former High Commissioner to Australia, Ayoola Olukanni, voiced concerns about the prolonged absence of appointed ambassadors during the programme.
In September 2023, three months into his tenure, Tinubu recalled over 100 Nigerian ambassadors from their posts worldwide. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, defended the decision, citing the President’s prerogative to recall or appoint ambassadors.
However, the President has yet to forward a new list of nominees to the Senate for confirmation, leaving Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions without substantive leadership.
Preparations Underway
Oshodi explained that President Tinubu has been prioritising preparations for the eventual deployment of ambassadors.
“The ambassadors are coming, but the most important thing we should realise is that things are being put in place for the ambassadors and the high commissioners. We have chargé d’affaires and consul generals already deployed as a prelude to the ambassadors’ arrival,” he said.
He added that foreign missions inherited by Tinubu’s administration were in poor condition and required significant restructuring. “The foreign missions are not in dire straits, but they need to be prepared for the ambassadors, their families, and other dignitaries.”
Comparisons to Past Administrations
Oshodi noted that delays in ambassadorial appointments are not unprecedented, citing the previous administration, which took 20 months to put ambassadors in place.
“This administration is focused on ensuring that things are in order before ambassadors are deployed,” he emphasised.
While the delay has raised concerns, the government maintains that the process is being carefully managed to ensure a smooth transition and effective representation in Nigeria’s foreign missions.
