By Hadiza Abdulkadir
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new ambassadors to represent Nigeria in its foreign missions. This ends an 18-month diplomatic vacuum that began after all ambassadors were recalled in September 2023.
The recall, which impacted both career and non-career ambassadors, was due to funding constraints and a wider restructuring of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements. However, sources within the presidency confirm that the financial issues have now been resolved, clearing the path for new appointments.
The selection process for the new envoys is already underway, with security agencies conducting background checks on nominees before their formal announcement and confirmation. The move is expected to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and strengthen bilateral relations with key partners.
Nigeria currently operates over 100 embassies and high commissions worldwide, and the prolonged absence of ambassadors has raised concerns about the country’s foreign policy direction. Despite these challenges, President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic recovery, allocating N302.4 billion ($198.3 million) in the 2025 budget for Nigeria’s foreign missions.
During meetings with foreign leaders, President Tinubu assured that vacancies would be filled soon, recognizing the need for a strong diplomatic corps to advance Nigeria’s global interests. The new appointments are expected to refresh Nigeria’s foreign policy and enhance its influence internationally.
Observers note that the new ambassadors will foster economic partnerships, attract foreign investments, and promoteNigeria’s image abroad. With their deployment approaching, stakeholders are watching how the diplomatic team navigates the global landscape to advance Nigeria’s interests.