Tinubu’s Diplomatic Shuffle: Femi Fani-Kayode, Femi Pedro, And Others Set To Assume Key International Roles

Since September 2023, President Bola Tinubu has been running his foreign policy, which focuses on Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, without ambassadors. This followed a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s foreign policy, which resulted in the recall of over 83 career and non-career ambassadors.

According to sources speaking to Punch, former Minister of Aviation under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, are among those nominated for diplomatic positions.

It is also reported that the vetting process is not centralized. Instead, nominees are asked to report to the nearest Department of State Services (DSS) office for security checks. Officials from the presidency confirmed that several candidates have been contacted to provide details regarding their educational background and work history.

“These individuals are undergoing security screenings with the DSS. Once cleared, the list will be finalized,” one official stated. “Only those who pass the security checks will be announced. We expect to have a list by the end of April.”

A second source added, “The process is location-based. Nominees are asked to provide personal information, such as their educational history and past appointments, depending on where they are located.”

Although the complete list of nominees remains confidential, senior presidency and foreign service officials confirmed that some high-profile and controversial figures are being considered. “The appointments will be announced soon, as the screening process is already underway. The names of the nominees are highly classified for now because not all will pass through,” an official said.

Femi Fani-Kayode, Fola Adeola (founder of Guaranty Trust Bank), and Femi Pedro are among the individuals mentioned in the process. Officials noted that the vetting process is moving forward more swiftly than before.

Explaining the slow pace, another official stated that thorough vetting is essential to prevent any potential security issues that could damage Nigeria’s reputation internationally. “We are conducting these checks to ensure that the nominees don’t pose any security risks, and their appointments won’t harm the country’s standing globally,” the official emphasized.