Tinubu to Name Ambassadors Within Weeks, Says Aide
President Bola Tinubu is set to announce the appointment of Nigeria’s ambassadors in the coming weeks, according to his Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi.
The update comes amid criticism of the 16-month delay in naming replacements for the ambassadors Tinubu recalled shortly after assuming office.
Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme on Sunday, Oshodi assured Nigerians that steps are already being taken to finalize the appointments.
“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,” Oshodi stated.
This announcement comes in the wake of concerns raised by Lawrence Obisakin, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Benin Republic, and Ayoola Olukanni, former High Commissioner to Australia, over the absence of ambassadors 16 months after their predecessors were recalled.
The recall, which affected over 100 Nigerian embassies and high commissions, was carried out in September 2023, just three months into Tinubu’s presidency.
Critics have highlighted the gap in representation, with Nigeria hosting foreign diplomats in Abuja while lacking equivalent envoys abroad.
However, Oshodi defended the delay, explaining that President Tinubu has prioritized overhauling Nigeria’s foreign missions to ensure their readiness.
“The foreign missions are not in dire straits. The president inherited missions that were not in great shape. So, things have to be put in shape and prepared for the ambassadors, and their families, dignitaries, diplomats, etc.,” Oshodi explained.
Read also: “He Knows What He’s Doing, He Spoke With Great Confidence”- Reuben Abati Applauds Tinubu
He also noted that interim measures, such as deploying chargé d’affaires and consul generals, have ensured continuity in diplomatic relations while preparations for the ambassadors’ appointments are finalized. Oshodi further pointed out that the delay is not unprecedented, recalling that the previous administration took 20 months to appoint ambassadors.
The forthcoming announcement is expected to include names of new ambassadors who will represent Nigeria across the globe, with Senate approval serving as the next crucial step.
The move aims to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and advance its foreign policy objectives.
