How $1bn arrears, overheads stall Tinubu’s Ambassadors’ appointment
President Bola Tinubu is reviewing the final list of prospective Nigerian envoys for various countries and international organisations during his holiday in Lagos.
Sources close to the Presidency confirmed that the process of appointing ambassadors has begun but has faced delays due to financial challenges, including settling arrears for foreign service officials, overhead costs, replacing outdated vehicles, and renovating embassy buildings.
An estimated $1bn is needed to address these issues, according to insiders.
Upon taking office in May 2023, Tinubu reassessed Nigeria’s foreign policy, which led to the recall of 83 career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023. Nigeria’s foreign service network spans 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally.
Although it was initially expected that the ambassadorial list would be submitted to the National Assembly by the end of December, updates suggest the process may extend into January.
A Presidency official revealed, “The final list is ready, but the nominees will undergo security and background checks before their names are sent to the Senate for screening. The President is currently reviewing the list in Lagos.”
Financial Hurdles
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar previously highlighted financial constraints as the primary cause of delays. “There is no point appointing ambassadors if the funds to support their travel and missions are unavailable,” Tuggar explained during a ministerial briefing.
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Officials estimate that $1bn is required to clear backlogs, renovate facilities, and address pressing operational needs. Many foreign missions face issues such as dilapidated residences, non-functional offices, outdated vehicles, and unpaid allowances for staff.
A foreign service officer stated, “Sending an ambassador now would be challenging because they might face the same difficulties as the staff already on the ground. It’s better to fix these issues first.”
Long-Term Consequences
Experts warn that Nigeria’s prolonged absence from the international stage could harm its global reputation. Host governments may interpret the delay in appointing envoys as a sign of instability.
However, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, assured that the selection process is being handled with care. “The list includes both career and political ambassadors, and it must go through thorough vetting before submission,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Presidency officials remain optimistic that the appointments will be finalised soon.
Written by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime
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