ABUJA — President Bola Tinubu is set to finalize the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions worldwide, following months of diplomatic gaps and increasing pressure from international partners, particularly the United States.
Multiple presidency sources confirmed that Tinubu has ordered a “final cleanup” of the nominee list, which had been delayed due to deaths, retirements, and withdrawals. The Senate had previously screened an initial batch of nominees, but the list required revision to reflect current eligibility.
“It will be concluded very soon,” a senior official told Daily Gazette. “They are simply updating the list because some nominees have died, retired, or are no longer eligible for appointment.” dailygazettenig.com
The urgency of the appointments comes amid heightened diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the U.S., following controversial remarks by President Donald Trump and Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
Since 2023, Nigeria has operated its 109 foreign missions without substantive ambassadors, relying instead on chargés d’affaires. The absence of envoys has reportedly hampered Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and foreign policy execution.
The new appointments are expected to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and improve bilateral relations, especially with strategic partners like the United States, United Kingdom, and China.
The presidency has not yet released the full list of revised nominees, but sources indicate it will include career diplomats, political appointees, and representatives from key sectors.
