Tinubu Set to Announce New Ambassadors Soon – Presidency

The Presidency has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will soon unveil a new list of ambassadorial appointments to head Nigeria’s foreign missions across the globe.

Pressure has been mounting from diplomatic and political stakeholders urging the President to fill vacant ambassadorial positions. In September 2023, Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions — including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates — as part of what was described as a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”

Since then, most missions have operated under chargés d’affaires or senior consular officials, who reportedly lack the full authority to engage in high-level bilateral negotiations. Foreign governments have also been said to accord them less diplomatic weight compared to fully accredited ambassadors.

The prolonged vacancies have sparked concerns, with some analysts suggesting that the absence of ambassadors may have contributed to recent diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States, particularly surrounding Donald Trump’s warning about alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

Responding to inquiries from Vanguard, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the appointments are imminent.

“He is going to do it very, very soon,” Onanuga stated.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with developments inside the Presidency disclosed that the long-awaited list could be released this week.

“The list may be released before the end of the week. The President is traveling this week, maybe it will be released when he travels,” the source hinted.

It was also gathered that Tinubu recently ordered a “final cleanup” of the list of nominees to update it before publication. Some individuals previously included are said to have passed away, retired, or have less than a year remaining in service, rendering them ineligible.

Reports further indicate that the Senate had already screened the nominees, with security vetting and background checks completed months earlier.

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