President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly in the final stages of approving Nigeria’s new ambassadorial appointments, following months of delay and growing concerns over the absence of envoys in key foreign missions.
According to information obtained by Hobnob News from multiple Presidency sources, the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the list of ambassadorial nominees ahead of its official release.
A senior government official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the process was being concluded after a comprehensive review.
“It is going to be concluded very soon,” the source said. “They are cleaning up the list because some nominees on the earlier version have died, retired, or are no longer eligible for appointment.”
Another Presidency source explained that although the Senate had previously screened the nominees, the review became necessary to replace those affected by retirement, ill health, or other circumstances.
“The earlier list sent to the Senate is outdated. Some nominees have passed away or taken new roles. The cleanup ensures only those still eligible make the final list,” the source added.
This development comes more than two years after President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023, as part of a major diplomatic overhaul covering the country’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
Since their recall, most missions have been managed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited diplomatic authority.
A senior Foreign Service officer noted that this has affected Nigeria’s global representation.
“The truth is, most foreign governments don’t accord chargés d’affaires the same diplomatic respect as ambassadors. At a time like this, it’s vital that Nigeria has its envoys properly in place,” the source said.
The renewed urgency follows recent diplomatic friction between Nigeria and the United States, sparked by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial remarks threatening possible military intervention over alleged killings of Christians in Nigeria.
In a series of posts on his social media platform, Trump claimed he had instructed U.S. congressional Republicans to investigate the matter and that he had ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” in Nigeria.
While Presidency officials dismissed any direct link between the absence of ambassadors and the diplomatic row, they acknowledged that having fully accredited envoys would improve communication and crisis management.
“The absence of ambassadors didn’t cause the issue, but their presence would have made engagement with foreign governments more efficient, especially in sensitive situations like this,” one official noted.
Sources at the State House also revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected to meet President Tinubu to finalise the ambassadorial list.
“When the President is ready, the appointments will be announced publicly,” another Presidency aide confirmed, adding that an official statement would be released soon.
Earlier in April 2025, Hobnob News reported that the Federal Government had completed vetting and security clearances for prospective ambassadors. However, the appointments were delayed due to funding constraints, with over $1 billion reportedly required to settle arrears, renovate embassies, and cover operational costs.
President Tinubu has previously acknowledged the complexity of balancing political and professional considerations in making the appointments.
“It’s not easy stitching those names,” Tinubu told members of The Buhari Organisation during a visit in September 2025. “I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for.”
With the final cleanup nearing completion, Nigeria is expected to soon restore full diplomatic representation across its global missions — a move seen as both timely and strategic amid rising international scrutiny.
— Hobnob News
