Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has delivered a strong critique of President Bola Tinubu’s prolonged delay in appointing ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, describing the situation as a serious diplomatic embarrassment and an indication of a lack of knowledge on the president’s part regarding the importance of these appointments.
Tambuwal’s remarks come amid growing public and political concerns over Nigeria’s unprecedented absence of official ambassadors since September 2023, when President Tinubu recalled all 109 of the country’s envoys worldwide without promptly naming replacements. This vacuum has significantly weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic relations, as many missions are now led by chargés d’affaires or junior diplomats who lack the full authority and recognition that ambassadors command.
In a recent statement, Tambuwal emphasized that the failure to appoint qualified and competent ambassadors compromises Nigeria’s ability to effectively engage in economic diplomacy, negotiate trade deals, and safeguard the interests of Nigerians abroad. He accused the federal government of showing “ignorance” and “incompetence” in handling vital aspects of foreign policy, warning that continued inaction could result in other countries downgrading their diplomatic representation in Nigeria as a form of protest.
“The president lacks a clear understanding of what these ambassadorial roles truly mean for Nigeria’s image and international standing,” Tambuwal said. “The absence of high-level diplomatic representation leaves Nigeria isolated and diminishes our voice in global affairs.”
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), a prominent opposition party, has echoed similar criticisms, labeling the prolonged delay in appointments as a “national embarrassment” with serious consequences. The party highlighted worsening visa and consular services, strained relations with key partners such as the United States and United Arab Emirates, and the loss of opportunities in international forums where crucial decisions affecting Nigeria are made.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has attributed the delay partly to the president’s focus on internal economic reforms and macroeconomic challenges, as well as technical issues such as currency fluctuations impacting mission funding. Tuggar indicated that ambassadorial nominations had been forwarded to the president but formal appointments have been stalled.
However, critics remain unconvinced, pointing out that many other nations are actively appointing envoys and expanding diplomatic ties while Nigeria remains absent. The diplomatic void poses risks not only to international relations but also to the welfare of Nigerians living and working overseas, who increasingly face challenges in obtaining timely consular assistance.
Tambuwal’s comments underscore the urgency for the Tinubu administration to prioritize the appointment of ambassadors to restore Nigeria’s global diplomatic footprint and protect national interests. Failure to act promptly, he warns, could further erode Nigeria’s standing on the world stage and invite diplomatic retaliations.
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