Announcement Expected in Coming Weeks
Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol to President Bola Tinubu, confirmed on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review that the President plans to announce his ambassadors within the next few weeks. He emphasized that the necessary steps involving the Senate and accreditation would follow to ensure the new ambassadors can take up their posts globally.
Criticism from Former Envoys
During the same program, Lawrence Obisakin, former Ambassador to Benin Republic, and Ayoola Olukanni, former High Commissioner to Australia, criticized the delay in ambassadorial appointments. It has been 16 months since Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors from their international posts, a decision made shortly after his inauguration in May 2023.
Context of the Recall
The recall was part of Tinubu’s strategy to reassess Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements, as explained by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar. Despite this, no new ambassadors have been appointed, leaving Nigeria’s diplomatic missions without permanent leadership while still hosting foreign ambassadors in Abuja.
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Preparation for New Envoys
Oshodi defended the delay, explaining that President Tinubu has been focused on preparing for these appointments. He noted that the groundwork includes improving the condition of foreign missions which were inherited in less than ideal shape. The administration has already deployed chargé d’affaires and consul generals as interim measures, setting the stage for the ambassadors’ arrival.
Comparative Perspective
He further highlighted that the previous administration took 20 months to appoint ambassadors, suggesting that the current timeline, though long, is not unprecedented. This indicates an ongoing effort by Tinubu’s administration to ensure that when the ambassadors are appointed, they will be well-supported and their missions adequately prepared.
