FG Screening Candidates for Ambassadorial Appointments, 18 Months After Recall.

Eighteen months after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors, the federal government has begun vetting candidates for their replacement, with an announcement expected “very soon.”

According to Reuters, sources familiar with the matter confirmed that background checks are being conducted on potential appointees, with the gathered information shared with relevant agencies within the presidency and legislature.

Tinubu had recalled all career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023, just six months into his tenure. While he has since appointed consuls-general and chargés d’affaires, the appointment of new ambassadors has remained pending.

Despite receiving multiple letters of credence from foreign ambassadors posted to Nigeria, concerns have been raised over the prolonged diplomatic leadership vacuum at various foreign missions.

Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar attributed the delay in appointing ambassadors to funding constraints. However, a government source told Reuters that the issue “is being resolved” and that the appointments will be announced soon.

For 2025, the federal government has allocated N302.4 billion for its foreign missions.