Tinubu set to announce new ambassadors amid U.S. threat

President Bola Tinubu is set to conclude the long-delayed appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, amid growing diplomatic pressure and renewed tension with the United States.

Presidency revealed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the list of nominees before releasing the approved names.

The cleanup, they said, became necessary as some of the earlier nominees screened by the Senate had either died, retired, or taken up new appointments.

“The list sent to the Senate has become outdated,” a senior official said.

“Some nominees are no longer eligible. The final list will only include those still available and qualified. The process can be completed within a week.”

Security and background checks were reportedly completed months ago, but the appointments stalled due to logistical and funding challenges.

Officials estimate that over $1 billion is required to settle arrears, renovate embassies, and cover operational costs across Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions.

Tinubu had recalled all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a “comprehensive diplomatic review,” leaving most embassies under the charge of senior consular officers or chargés d’affaires with limited authority.

“The absence of ambassadors has affected Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility,” a senior Foreign Service officer said.

“Foreign governments give far more regard to ambassadors, especially in moments of crisis.”

The renewed push to fill the positions comes amid rising diplomatic friction following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently threatened military intervention in Nigeria over alleged persecution of Christians. Trump declared Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and claimed to have ordered a probe into the matter.

Presidency officials, however, said the ongoing row was not directly caused by the lack of ambassadors but acknowledged that full diplomatic representation could have improved communication with Washington.

“The presence of ambassadors ensures better engagement at critical moments,” one official said.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet with President Tinubu at the State House today (Tuesday), where sources say the ambassadorial list may top the agenda.

“When the President is ready to make the announcement, it will be made public,” a Presidency source confirmed.

Tinubu has previously admitted the difficulty of balancing political interests with professional considerations in making the appointments.

“It’s not easy stitching those names together,” he told a delegation in September.

“I still have some slots left, and many people are lobbying for them.”