Tinubu Breaks Silence: Why Nigeria’s Ambassadorship List Remains A Mystery

The delay comes nearly two years after President Bola Tinubu’s administration recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with members of The Buhari Organisation at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu explained that the process of selecting new nominees has been difficult due to both political and administrative challenges.

He acknowledged that while several ambassadorial slots remain vacant, finalising a credible list has proven tasking.

“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once, and I thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that many people are craving for, but it’s not easy stitching those names together,” he said.

All career and non-career envoys were withdrawn in September 2023 as part of a major diplomatic shake-up, leaving most embassies under the control of chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers.

Although security clearance for prospective nominees was reportedly completed in April 2025, the President has yet to forward the consolidated list to the Senate.

One key factor behind the delay is inadequate funding. The government is currently grappling with about $1 billion in arrears covering staff salaries, mission renovations, replacement of official vehicles, and other operational costs.

Once submitted, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs will screen the nominees before presenting them for a full Senate vote. Upon confirmation, the ambassadors will undergo training at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming their posts.

Tinubu reassured his visitors that future diplomatic appointments will be guided by broad consultation and careful consideration, stressing that he is committed to striking the right balance before presenting the names to the Senate.