Tinubu’s Ambassador Picks Stir Controversy – Tuggar Decries Political Hijack

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, has shed new light on the prolonged delay in appointing ambassadors, revealing that the current list submitted to President Bola Tinubu contains more political appointees than career diplomats.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Tuggar explained that although the list of nominees was submitted over a year ago, the appointments have been delayed due to the president’s prioritization of pressing national issues, particularly economic reforms.

“The names were forwarded to the president, who must then send them to the Senate for screening before ambassadors can be officially posted,” Tuggar said.

He noted that the list was submitted shortly after President Tinubu assumed office, at a time when sweeping economic reforms—such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira—were at the forefront of the administration’s agenda. These reforms, considered critical for stabilizing the economy, took precedence over diplomatic appointments.

Tuggar pointed out that the resulting economic challenges, including currency devaluation and fluctuating exchange rates, further complicated the process of appointing and funding ambassadors and foreign missions.

“There were even funding gaps due to the different exchange rates and significant fluctuations, which made it difficult to allocate resources for diplomatic missions and ambassadorial deployments,” he explained.

Despite these complications, Tuggar reassured that ambassadorial appointments would soon be finalized. He also confirmed that the list under consideration includes both professional diplomats and political appointees—with the latter in the majority.

“It’s a blend,” he said. “But the proposed list actually contains more political appointees than career diplomats.”