By Charles Pemu 
ABUJA—President Bola Tinubu is reportedly moving to finalize the long-delayed appointment of Nigeria’s ambassadors to foreign missions worldwide, following months of diplomatic gaps and heightened pressure, particularly in the wake of the United States’ threat of military intervention.
Multiple Presidency officials confirmed that the President has ordered a “final cleanup” of the list of nominees ahead of its imminent public release. The development is crucial as Nigeria seeks to address a diplomatic vacuum that has persisted since the mass recall of all ambassadors in September 2023.
Sources familiar with the process, speaking anonymously, explained that the delay was largely technical and logistical. The original list of nominees, which had already been screened by the Senate, became outdated because several individuals had since died, retired, or were no longer eligible for service.
“It is going to be concluded very soon,” one senior official said, adding that the “cleanup will ensure that the final list reflects those still available and eligible.” Another official hinted that the verification of new names required to update the list is a quick process that “can be completed in a week.”
Diplomatic Gaps and US Crisis
The urgency to fill the 109 diplomatic missions—comprising embassies, high commissions, and consulates—is underscored by recent diplomatic turbulence. For over two years since the mass recall, most missions have been headed by chargés d’affaires with limited authority.
Senior Foreign Service sources noted that foreign governments do not grant the same regard to chargés d’affaires as they do to full ambassadors, complicating crucial negotiations.
The matter has taken on greater significance following President Donald Trump’s decision to label Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) and his subsequent threat of “guns-a-blazing” military action over the alleged killing of Christians. While a Presidency official argued that the lack of ambassadors did not cause the US tension, they conceded that the presence of envoys could have “made communication smoother” and is preferred by foreign partners “especially in moments of crisis or negotiation.”
Further indicating the final stage of the process, sources close to the President revealed that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is scheduled to meet with President Tinubu today (Tuesday) at the State House, a meeting hinted to involve the finalization of the ambassadorial list.
The long delay in appointments was previously attributed to the complexity of balancing political and professional interests, as well as an initial funding shortage reportedly requiring over $1 billion for arrears and operational overheads at the missions.