The Presidency has assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu will soon unveil a new set of ambassadorial appointments to fill strategic positions across the country’s 109 foreign missions.
The confirmation came on Sunday from Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, amid increasing public pressure for the appointment of substantive envoys.
Tinubu had, in September 2023, recalled all ambassadors from 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates as part of a “comprehensive diplomatic review.” Since then, most missions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officials — a situation analysts say has weakened Nigeria’s international influence.
Some foreign governments reportedly accord less recognition to chargés d’affaires, a factor believed to have contributed to recent diplomatic strains, including issues linked to comments made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding religious killings in Nigeria.
Responding to inquiries from Vanguard, Onanuga said the President would make the ambassadorial appointments “very, very soon.”
A presidency source, who requested anonymity, further disclosed that the list may be released before the end of the week.
“The President is travelling this week; the list might be released while he is away,” the source revealed.
According to insiders, Tinubu has already ordered a final review of the list earlier submitted to the Senate. The review became necessary due to developments affecting some nominees, including deaths, retirements, and cases where candidates now have less than a year of service remaining.
Sources added that the Senate had completed screening and security checks on the nominees months ago.
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