Tinubu Set To Announce New Envoy Appointments And Ministry Roles For Consular Officers

Tinubu Set To Announce New Envoy Appointments And Ministry Roles For Consular OfficersThe Federal Government has begun deploying consular officers to Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad ahead of the expected release of the ambassadorial list. This move comes 14 months after the recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023, following President Bola Tinubu’s inauguration. The recall, which affected both career and non-career ambassadors, was part of a broader reassessment of the country’s foreign policy. However, since the recall, the government has yet to appoint replacements for these envoys.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The 83 ambassadors were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023, marking a significant shift in the country’s diplomatic approach and indicating the government’s intention to realign its foreign engagements in a way that better serves national interests.

Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, explained that the recall was carried out at the President’s discretion, as he has the prerogative to send or recall ambassadors as he sees fit. Tuggar further stated that this was part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria’s foreign relations. However, the absence of replacements has left a diplomatic void, raising concerns both domestically and internationally.

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires to represent Nigeria in 14 countries. While these interim appointments can manage routine administrative functions, they lack the authority to engage at higher diplomatic levels, such as with heads of state or in critical international negotiations. The lack of high-level representation in key missions has led to frustration among diplomats and foreign policy experts.

In May 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs cited funding issues as the primary reason for the delay in appointing new ambassadors. Former Ministry spokesperson Amb. Eche Abu-Ode also suggested that ambassadorial appointments would depend on budget allocations, with hopes that the funds might be included in a supplementary budget.

The prolonged delay in filling these diplomatic positions has sparked concerns, particularly given Nigeria’s reliance on international partnerships and foreign investments to boost economic growth. Some diplomats worry that the delay could be interpreted by Nigeria’s international partners as a sign of instability or disinterest in global affairs, which could damage the country’s reputation.

A senior official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed frustration with the lack of communication and direction from the government. “There is silence on the issue. Nobody knows what’s going on,” the official said. This silence has further heightened concerns about Nigeria’s absence from key international discussions and the long-term impact on its global standing.

Despite these challenges, a senior government official confirmed to The PUNCH that consular officers are currently being deployed to missions abroad. Some officers have already begun their assignments, while others are scheduled to leave later this month. The official noted that deployments are taking place to locations such as Malaysia, Spain, and Brazil, where President Tinubu participated in the G20 Summit.

As Nigeria continues to face diplomatic challenges, calls for immediate reforms in the country’s foreign policy and diplomatic service are growing louder. Many in the diplomatic community believe that these reforms are necessary to address the current gaps and ensure that Nigeria remains active and engaged on the global stage.

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