President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to unveil his list of ambassadors in the coming weeks, according to Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol.
Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review program on Sunday, Oshodi stated, “I believe in the next few weeks, there will be a pronouncement for the ambassadors, and steps will be taken by the Senate and accreditation to put them in place in their various missions around the world.”
This follows Tinubu’s decision on September 2, 2023, three months into his presidency, to recall all Nigerian ambassadors from over 100 embassies and high commissions worldwide.
Despite 16 months passing since their recall, no new ambassadors have been nominated or sent to missions abroad. Meanwhile, foreign ambassadors continue to operate in Nigeria from Abuja.
Oshodi explained that the delay is due to groundwork being laid for the new appointments. “The ambassadors are coming, but the most important thing we should realise is that things are being put in place. We have chargé d’affaires and consuls generals already positioned as a prelude to the ambassadors’ arrival,” he noted.
He also addressed concerns over the state of Nigeria’s foreign missions, stating that President Tinubu inherited missions in need of repairs and upgrades. “The foreign missions are not in dire straits, but the President inherited missions that were not in great shape.
Efforts are being made to prepare these facilities for the ambassadors, their families, and visiting dignitaries,” Oshodi said.
He further highlighted that the current administration is prioritising this issue and drew comparisons with the previous government, which took 20 months to finalise ambassadorial appointments.
“The president and his administration are focused on ensuring things are in place for the ambassadors. This process takes time, as seen even in the last administration,” Oshodi added.