Tinubu To Unveil Ambassadorial List Soon

The Presidency is preparing to release a fresh slate of ambassadors, signalling an end to the long wait for substantive envoys across Nigeria’s foreign missions, according to senior government insiders familiar with the process.

Sources within the administration said the final draft of nominees has reached an advanced stage, following months of internal vetting, diplomatic consultations, and security clearance procedures. 

Moreover, officials hinted that the list may be transmitted to the National Assembly once the President concludes a final round of reviews.

Several diplomatic missions have been without ambassadors since the recall of career and non-career envoys last year. 

Consequently, many foreign posts have been overseen by chargés d’affaires and consular officers, a stopgap arrangement critics say limits Nigeria’s engagement at top diplomatic levels.

One Presidency official, who asked not to be named, explained that the delay was partly due to financial and administrative challenges. 

“Balancing political interests with career progression in the foreign service has taken time, and the President wants a list that reflects competence and national interest,” the official said.

Another source noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier forwarded a batch of career officers for consideration, prompting further consolidation of political and professional nominees. 

However, the Presidency reportedly reviewed the list again after some initial nominees retired, became ineligible, or were otherwise unavailable.

Despite the concerns raised by analysts, government insiders maintain that the new envoy list is nearing completion. 

A senior diplomatic officer in Abuja added that posting ambassadors remains essential for strengthening Nigeria’s visibility abroad, especially in major global capitals.

“There is clear urgency from the President’s side,” the officer said. 

“Everyone understands the impact of the vacuum at our missions, and the government is eager to restore full diplomatic representation.”

As the administration moves toward unveiling the new ambassadors, attention now shifts to how quickly the nominees will be screened and deployed, given the demanding state of Nigeria’s foreign relations. 

Further developments are expected in the coming days, especially once the Presidency confirms the submission of the list to lawmakers.

This matter continues to shape discussions in diplomatic circles, hinting at a broader recalibration of Nigeria’s global engagement strategy.