Nigeria's Diplomatic Reawakening: Ambassadors on the Horizon

Nigeria is preparing to appoint ambassadors to over 100 diplomatic missions after an 18-month vacancy. The process follows President Tinubu's recall of all ambassadors. With the security services vetting candidates, appointments are expected soon. The delay has been attributed to financial constraints.

Nigeria is on the brink of appointing ambassadors to head more than 100 diplomatic missions, marking the end of an 18-month absence following the recall of all ambassadors by President Bola Tinubu. Sources revealed that these appointments could be announced imminently.

Since September 2023, Africa's most populous nation, crucial in combating Islamist insurgents and a key Western ally, has operated without ambassadors. The foreign affairs minister cited financial hurdles as the reason for delay, but reassurances are now being given that this issue is nearly resolved.

As part of the preparations, Nigeria's security services are performing background checks on candidates, sharing their findings with the presidency and legislature. Although the foreign ministry declined to comment, it is clear that the delay in appointment has been a topic of conversation between President Tinubu and international leaders.