TINUBU SET TO NAME NEW AMBASSADORS AS DIPLOMATIC TENSION WITH US INTENSIFIES

President Bola Tinubu is set to finalise the appointment of new ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions across the world amid growing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States.

According to sources at the Presidency, the list of nominees is undergoing final review after months of delay. Some of the previously shortlisted candidates were reportedly found ineligible due to retirement, death, or insufficient time left in service.

Security and background checks for the ambassadorial nominees had been completed earlier in the year, but the process was suspended to allow for a fresh verification and adjustment of the list.

Most of Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions — including embassies, high commissions, and consulates — have remained without substantive ambassadors since September 2023, when Tinubu ordered the recall of all envoys as part of a major diplomatic overhaul.

The prolonged absence of ambassadors has affected Nigeria’s representation abroad, particularly at a time of increased global scrutiny and sensitive foreign relations. A top government source noted that while the absence of ambassadors did not directly cause recent diplomatic tension with the US, their presence could have eased communication and strengthened engagement.

The push to appoint new ambassadors comes amid strained relations between Nigeria and the Donald Trump-led US administration, following Washington’s warnings of possible sanctions over alleged human rights violations.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar is expected to meet with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja to finalise the new list before the official announcement.

Observers believe the appointments will mark a key step in reactivating Nigeria’s diplomatic machinery and rebuilding confidence among international partners. They also emphasise the need for career diplomats with experience and credibility, rather than political appointees, to help restore Nigeria’s global standing.

With the final list set for approval soon, Nigeria’s foreign policy efforts appear poised for a reset aimed at strengthening its global presence and managing international relations more effectively.