By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
President Bola Tinubu is finalising the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions after months of delay and growing concern over the absence of envoys abroad.
Presidency sources told Journalists that the President has ordered a final review of the list of nominees to replace those who have retired, died, or become ineligible since the Senate’s earlier screening.
“It will be concluded soon; they’re just cleaning it up to ensure the list is up-to-date,” a senior official said.
Tinubu had recalled all ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a diplomatic overhaul, leaving most missions under chargés d’affaires with limited authority.
Diplomats say the vacuum has weakened Nigeria’s global representation.
The renewed urgency follows rising diplomatic tension after former U.S. President Donald Trump accused Nigeria of persecuting Christians and threatened “possible action.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to brief Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on finalising the appointments, which have also been delayed by funding challenges.
The President, who earlier admitted the difficulty of balancing political and professional interests in the selection, is expected to unveil the final list soon.
