Manny Ita –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners to Nigerian diplomatic missions across the world, a move the Presidency says is aimed at strengthening the country’s international representation and advancing the country’s foreign policy priorities.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who disclosed that the list includes 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career ambassadors assigned to various countries and multilateral organisations.
Among the notable postings are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, who has been assigned as Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany; political commentator and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, posted to Mexico; and former Minister of Health Isaac Adewole, who will serve as Nigeria’s ambassador to Canada.
Other prominent figures on the list include former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau assigned to China, former Director-General of the Department of State Services Lawal Musa Daura posted to the United States, and businessman and senator Jimoh Ibrahim who will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
According to the Presidency, the nominees had earlier been screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate before their official deployment to foreign missions. The administration stated that the appointments are intended to reinforce Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and deepen international cooperation across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Americas.
The Presidency also disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already begun the process of securing agrément, the formal diplomatic approval required from host countries before ambassadors can assume their duties. Government officials said the ministry is working with host governments to complete the diplomatic procedures ahead of the envoys’ formal assumption of duty.
President Tinubu also directed the foreign affairs ministry to commence an induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners ahead of their deployment. Officials said the training will focus on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, economic diplomacy, and consular responsibilities in their respective host countries.
However, the appointments have already drawn criticism from the opposition African Democratic Congress, which described the list as “inadequate” and questioned the strategic value of some of the nominations.
Party officials argued that the government should prioritise experienced diplomats and individuals with strong international engagement credentials rather than relying heavily on political appointees. The party said the appointments should reflect Nigeria’s strategic diplomatic needs at a time when the country is seeking to expand economic partnerships and improve its global image.
Political analysts say the debate highlights the long-standing issue of balancing career diplomats and political ambassadors in Nigeria’s foreign service. While supporters of the administration argue that political appointees can use their networks and influence to advance Nigeria’s interests abroad, critics maintain that diplomacy requires specialised expertise and institutional experience.
Despite the criticism, government officials insist that the mix of career and non-career envoys reflects a deliberate strategy to combine professional diplomatic experience with political and administrative influence as Nigeria seeks to strengthen bilateral relations, attract investment and promote its economic diplomacy agenda globally.
