President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to unveil a new slate of ambassadorial appointments in the coming days, as Nigeria moves to strengthen its diplomatic posture amid rising tensions with the United States.
According to senior government officials, the President has directed security agencies to conclude the vetting process for the nominees immediately, with formal announcements expected as early as next week.
The appointments will mark the final phase of Nigeria’s long-delayed ambassadorial restructuring, following the September 2023 recall of all ambassadors from the country’s 109 foreign missions — part of a broader effort to reform and professionalise the foreign service.
Since that recall, most of Nigeria’s embassies have been overseen by chargés d’affaires, a situation career diplomats say has diminished Nigeria’s international influence, particularly in high-stakes negotiations involving trade, security, and multilateral cooperation.
A senior foreign service source told ADBN TV that the President views ambassador-level representation as “crucial to advancing Nigeria’s interests abroad, especially as the country faces unprecedented geopolitical scrutiny.”
The renewed urgency follows recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened possible military action against Nigeria over allegations of religious persecution. The statement has generated significant diplomatic unease and prompted Abuja to intensify engagement with key allies.
Government insiders say the new ambassadorial list prioritises postings to strategic partner nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, and key African and Middle Eastern states.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to work closely with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Services (DSS) to ensure a balance between political appointees and seasoned career diplomats.
The appointments, analysts say, are part of Tinubu’s broader effort to reassert Nigeria’s diplomatic leadership and manage global perceptions amid the ongoing security and governance challenges confronting the administration.
