President Bola Tinubu is preparing to appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions in major countries in the coming weeks, according to top sources within the Presidency. The appointments are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence, which has been weakened by the prolonged absence of substantive envoys, particularly in strategically important countries such as the United States amid rising international concerns, including the controversial Christian genocide debate.
In September 2023, President Tinubu recalled all envoys serving in Nigeria’s missions across 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide to reassess the country’s foreign policy priorities. While the recall was widely regarded as necessary for strategic restructuring, the process of nominating and appointing new ambassadors has faced repeated delays, leaving many missions overseen only by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers.
Sources close to the Presidency revealed that by April 2025, the vetting of candidates for ambassadorial appointments, including security clearance and background checks, had been completed. However, complex political considerations, coupled with deaths and retirements of some candidates, necessitated additional revisions to the nomination list. “I couldn’t appoint everybody at once and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that many people are craving for. But it’s not easy stitching those names,” Tinubu said in September 2025 during a meeting with members of The Buhari Organisation at the Presidential Villa.
Last week, Presidency officials confirmed that a “final cleanup” of the list was underway before submission to the Senate for confirmation. Only ambassadors to major countries are expected to be appointed initially, according to multiple sources. One senior aide explained that some positions were vacated due to the death or ineligibility of previous nominees, which prompted the Senate to return the list for revision.
Top aides told Sunday PUNCH that the final approval process is nearing completion, and the announcement of appointments is expected before the end of November 2025. While officials declined to disclose specific countries, they emphasized that the appointments would prioritize strategic nations critical to Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic interests.
Funding constraints have also contributed to delays in the ambassadorial appointments. Reports indicate that the Federal Government requires approximately $1 billion to clear arrears, maintain operational expenses, renovate aging embassy buildings, and replace diplomatic vehicles. Earlier in 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed these financial limitations, noting that sending envoys without adequate operational resources would undermine their effectiveness.
To address these funding challenges, the 2025 federal budget allocated N2.1 billion for posting and return entitlements of ambassadors and consular officers. An additional N53 billion was earmarked for the renovation of 103 foreign missions, covering chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadors’ residences, office furniture, and official vehicles. Specific allocations included N554 million for Abidjan, N812 million for Banjul, N555 million for Brazzaville, N558 million for Port of Spain, N576 million for Caracas, N624 million for Kingston, N567 million for Libreville, N409 million for Buenos Aires, and N899 million for Niamey, among others.
Furthermore, a letter dated July 3, 2025, from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation indicated that the Tinubu administration had released $54 million to support the operations of Nigeria’s 103 embassies and high commissions. Of this amount, $46.14 million was designated for overhead costs, $9.58 million for personnel expenses, and $282,829 for other operational needs. Despite these allocations, the absence of confirmed ambassadors has raised public concern over the proper utilization and effectiveness of the funds.
In October 2025, the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs summoned the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Heads of Missions to provide detailed records of the utilization of funds appropriated to Nigeria’s foreign missions. The committee, led by Chairman Oluwole Oke, invoked Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to demand accountability, particularly concerning the alleged mismanagement of $2 million earmarked for renovating Nigeria’s Permanent Representative’s residence at the United Nations headquarters in New York.
Political analysts note that the appointment of ambassadors is critical not only for Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility but also for the execution of foreign policy initiatives, attracting foreign investment, and protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad. The delay in appointing envoys has prompted concerns over the country’s ability to influence international decision-making, maintain bilateral relations, and address pressing issues on global platforms.
Observers also emphasized that the strategic placement of ambassadors in key countries could enhance Nigeria’s international image, strengthen trade partnerships, and provide a stronger voice in global discussions, particularly regarding security, human rights, and economic development. In this context, the upcoming appointments are seen as essential for reasserting Nigeria’s position and influence on the world stage.
As the Presidency finalizes the appointment process, stakeholders continue to call for transparency and efficiency to ensure that the selected envoys possess the competence, integrity, and experience required for effective diplomacy. Citizens and international partners alike are keenly observing the process, given the high expectations placed on Nigeria’s foreign service to deliver impactful results.
In summary, President Bola Tinubu’s forthcoming ambassadorial appointments are expected to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence in major countries, address operational funding challenges, and strengthen the country’s foreign policy. With the final vetting and cleanup of the nomination list in progress, the announcement is anticipated before the end of November 2025, marking a crucial step in Nigeria’s diplomatic and international engagement strategy.
