President Bola Tinubu has appointed three non-career ambassadors, ending a diplomatic vacancy that had lasted for more than two years. The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.
The president’s letter conveying the appointments was read on the floor of the Senate on Wednesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who noted that the list is the first batch of nominees.
“The list contains three names for now; I am sure others will follow,” Akpabio said after announcing the president’s request for confirmation.
The delay in ambassadorial appointments had previously attracted concerns, especially after former U.S. President Donald Trump designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” with some commentators linking the issue to the absence of appointed envoys.
Read Also:
Guinea-Bissau Officers Claim Control After Reported Arrest of President Embaló
However, in a recent interview, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar dismissed such claims, insisting that Nigerian missions around the world had continued to function effectively.
“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum,” Tuggar said.
He explained that embassies operate through a structured chain of command involving deputies, counsellors, and career diplomats who ensure continuity in diplomatic activities.
“Diplomacy is not a one-man show. The system is designed to cope with such situations,” he added.
The minister stressed that ambassadorial appointments remain the exclusive prerogative of the president and assured that missions were still delivering on key foreign policy objectives.
“Nigerians abroad are still accessing services, and our engagement with host countries has not diminished,” Tuggar said, noting that trade facilitation, investment promotion, consular services, and cultural diplomacy had continued uninterrupted.
He noted that it is not unusual for countries to operate some foreign missions without ambassadors for extended periods, saying what matters is “substance, not optics.”
“Our foreign policy direction is clear, and our presence is felt globally. What we are doing is ensuring that our missions deliver tangible results for Nigerians, not just ceremonial appearances,” he added.
The Senate is expected to screen and confirm the three nominees in the coming days.