The Federal Government has defended the delay in ambassadorial appointments, citing comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s foreign service architecture as the reason. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the African Democratic Congress (ADC) of politicizing foreign policy and raising false alarms over the delay. According to the Ministry, ambassadorial appointments are sovereign functions that require careful consideration and should not be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement.
The delay is attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to reform the foreign service architecture, ensuring future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment. The ADC had criticized the Tinubu administration for failing to appoint new ambassadors nearly two years after all Nigerian envoys were recalled, claiming it had created a diplomatic vacuum and weakened Nigeria’s influence abroad.
The Federal Government refuted the ADC’s claims, stating that Nigerian missions remain fully operational and are effectively represented by seasoned foreign service officers, including experienced chargés d’affaires. The Ministry emphasized that diplomacy should not be used for partisan attacks and that Nigeria’s global reputation must be protected from sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has been engaging in high-level diplomatic meetings with foreign counterparts, demonstrating Nigeria’s active presence in global affairs. The government insists that ambassadorial appointments will be made based on merit and strategic alignment, rather than political patronage or expediency.
