‘I couldn’t appoint everybody at once’ — Tinubu on ambassadorial delays

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday acknowledged delays in compiling Nigeria’s long-awaited ambassadorial list, nearly two years after his administration recalled all envoys from the country’s 109 diplomatic missions.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja during a solidarity visit by members of The Buhari Organisation led by former Nasarawa State Governor Tanko Al-Makura, Tinubu said the process of selecting nominees has been challenging due to political and administrative considerations.

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

The President’s remarks come almost two years after the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a sweeping diplomatic reset. Since then, most missions have been managed by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers pending the appointment of substantive heads.

Although security vetting of nominees was reportedly concluded in April 2025, Tinubu has yet to forward a consolidated list to the Senate for confirmation. The process has been slowed by funding challenges, including the $1bn required to settle arrears owed to foreign service staff, refurbish embassies, replace vehicles, and cover operational costs.

Once the President submits his nominations, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs is expected to screen candidates before a full Senate vote. Confirmed ambassadors would then undergo orientation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and receive their Letters of Credence prior to deployment.

Diplomatic analysts warn that prolonged vacancies are undermining Nigeria’s foreign policy presence, particularly in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe, where embassies have lacked substantive leadership for nearly two years. They caution that these gaps could weaken Nigeria’s ability to secure trade opportunities, provide consular services, and maintain strategic influence amid global geopolitical shifts.

Tinubu assured party loyalists that his appointments — including diplomatic postings — would reflect wide consultation and careful consideration. “What I am doing is hard work, hard thinking and consulting with you,” he told the delegation.