Tinubu Breaks Silence on Ambassadorial List Speaks on Delay in Appointments
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu breaks silence on delayed ambassadorial appointments citing competing interests economic constraints and reforms Opposition warns of diplomatic fallout amid continued voids in Nigerias foreign missions .
Acknowledging the Delay
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially addressed the prolonged delay in releasing Nigerias ambassadorial list ending months of speculation and growing criticism Speaking during a meeting with members of The Buhari Organisation TBO at the State House Abuja the President admitted that the process has been more complex than anticipated .
“I couldn’t appoint everybody that I could have appointed” Tinubu remarked “I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that too many people are craving for but it’s not easy stitching together those names”
This rare acknowledgment sheds light on the internal challenges slowing down the process and underscores the weight of balancing political diplomatic and administrative demands .
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Balancing Interests and Economic Pressures
Tinubu framed the delay as a consequence of carefully navigating competing political interests while ensuring Nigerias foreign policy direction remains aligned with his administrations “4Ds” strategy—Democracy Development Demography and Diaspora .
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar had previously revealed that nominations were forwarded to the presidency months earlier However Tinubus focus on urgent economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira has complicated matters The financial crisis triggered by these measures has also weakened the ability of Nigerias 109 foreign missions to function effectively placing further strain on the ambassadorial appointment process .
Diplomatic Vacuum Sparks Warnings
Since September 2023 when Tinubu recalled over 83 ambassadors both political and career the country has been without substantive representation in many critical foreign capitals This vacuum has triggered mounting concern from opposition parties civil society groups and diplomatic analysts .
The African Democratic Congress ADC labeled the situation a “diplomatic embarrassment” warning that the absence of ambassadors weakens Nigerias global standing disrupts consular services and leaves citizens abroad vulnerable They stressed that chargés daffaires and interim mission officers lack the full authority and recognition necessary to represent the countrys interests at the highest levels .
Government Pushback Reform Over Expediency
The government however has pushed back against these criticisms Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Alkasim Abdulkadir defended the delay describing the process as deliberate and necessary to reform the foreign service According to him the Tinubu administration is prioritizing merit competence and strategic fit rather than the traditional culture of political patronage .
Ambassadorial appointments Abdulkadir argued require careful consultation vetting and clearance by host nations—steps that cannot be rushed without risking long term damage to Nigerias foreign policy credibility .
Diplomatic Strains and Consequences
Despite government assurances analysts argue that the absence of ambassadors has already carried significant costs Nigerias lack of visible representation has limited its influence in global forums and reduced access to high level diplomatic channels .
There have been reports of embarrassing moments at international events such as limited recognition of Nigerian delegates at foreign inaugurations Negotiations on bilateral agreements have also stalled as interim officials lack the authority to finalize critical deals Business stakeholders note that more than 20 months without ambassadors has left missions struggling to maintain relationships with host governments and international institutions .
Timeline of Key Events
- September 2023 President Tinubu recalls over 83 ambassadors initiating a diplomatic vacuum .
- December 2024 Growing concern as consuls general and chargés daffaires deployed as stopgap measures .
- March 2025 Sources indicate appointments are “imminent” though none are announced .
- June 2025 Analysts highlight economic and diplomatic costs of the continued void .
- July 2025 ADC intensifies criticism while the government defends the delay as reform focused .
- September 2025 Tinubu publicly addresses the issue citing complexities in balancing interests and making careful choices .
Conclusion
By finally breaking his silence President Tinubu has acknowledged both the political sensitivity and economic realities behind the delay in ambassadorial appointments While his administration emphasizes reform and strategic alignment opposition voices argue that the prolonged absence of ambassadors has already weakened Nigerias global influence .
As the process continues to unfold the world watches to see how swiftly Tinubu can resolve the diplomatic vacuum For Nigeria the urgency is clear restoring strong foreign representation is essential to protecting its global interests securing economic partnerships and projecting stability in uncertain times .