The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement urging the public to disregard any circulating lists of ambassadorial nominees, as these are not officially confirmed. This clarification comes amid heightened anticipation and speculation about Nigeria’s diplomatic appointments, which have been pending since President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in September 2023.
According to the ministry, the appointment of ambassadors remains the exclusive prerogative of President Tinubu, and no official nominations have been made yet. The public will be informed through appropriate channels once a legitimate list is finalized and transmitted to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.
The delay in appointing new ambassadors has been attributed to various factors, including financial constraints and the complex nature of governance and political processes. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has acknowledged these challenges but reassured that the nominations will be forwarded to the Senate soon.
Despite the absence of ambassadors, Nigeria’s diplomatic missions continue to operate under the management of mission officers, ensuring that essential diplomatic operations are not disrupted. The government has allocated funds to support foreign missions, signaling a commitment to revitalize Nigeria’s diplomatic presence abroad.
As the process unfolds, the public awaits the official announcement of ambassadorial nominees, which is expected to be made soon. The Foreign Affairs Ministry’s clarification underscores the importance of relying on official channels for accurate information regarding these appointments.
