Presidency reverses Dakingari’s appointment as Turkey ambassador within hours

The Presidency has withdrawn the appointment of Ambassador-designate Ahmed Rufai Dakingari as Nigeria’s envoy to Turkey, barely hours after the announcement of his posting.

Sources within the State House confirmed that the reversal followed an internal review of the diplomatic list earlier released as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing reorganisation of Nigeria’s foreign missions.

Although no official reason was immediately given for the sudden withdrawal, presidency officials said the decision was taken swiftly to avoid procedural or administrative complications. The withdrawal was communicated to relevant authorities shortly after the initial announcement circulated.

Dakingari, a former Minister of Police Affairs and an experienced public servant, had been named among newly appointed ambassadors-designate to key countries. His posting to Ankara was expected to strengthen Nigeria-Turkey relations, particularly in trade, defence cooperation and cultural exchange.

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The development comes amid a broader overhaul of Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, with the Tinubu administration seeking to realign foreign postings in line with its foreign policy priorities and economic diplomacy agenda.

Officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that a replacement nominee for the Turkey mission would be announced in due course, alongside other pending ambassadorial postings.

The nominees already announced are still expected to undergo Senate screening and confirmation before assuming their respective diplomatic duties.

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