The nomination and posting of Nigerian ambassadors have been delayed for over a year due to a $4 million (approximately ₦6 billion) funding request by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. Insiders have revealed that President Bola Tinubu stalled the approval process, questioning the substantial amount required for posting ambassadors to their assigned countries.
The delay follows Tinubu’s decision to sack 41 non-career and 42 career ambassadors appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari shortly after taking office. Since then, Nigeria has been without formal diplomatic representation in 109 missions worldwide, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
Reports indicate that the Foreign Affairs Minister expressed frustration over the delay in releasing the funds and approving the ambassadorial nominees. Adding to the tension, Tuggar was reportedly displeased with Tinubu’s decision to appoint a four-member committee to collaborate on selecting nominees for the positions.
Sources have revealed that the prolonged absence of ambassadors has posed challenges for Nigeria’s foreign policy. The lack of permanent envoys has hampered critical diplomatic engagements and limited intelligence sharing with Western nations, who are reportedly hesitant to share sensitive information with embassy officials.
However, recent developments suggest that President Tinubu is ready to resolve the impasse. According to insiders, the list of ambassadorial nominees is set to be released soon, followed by an induction process before their postings to respective missions.
