President Bola Tinubu has forwarded three names for ambassadorial appointments to the Senate, marking the first step in filling Nigeria’s long-vacant diplomatic positions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the submission during Wednesday’s plenary session, streamed on the NASS YouTube channel.
He said, “The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow.”
The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke.
Since taking office in 2023, Tinubu had yet to make any ambassadorial appointments, a delay that drew criticism, especially after the United States, under former President Donald Trump, designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.
In September, Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar addressed concerns about the lack of ambassadors, assuring that Nigeria’s missions continued to function effectively.
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“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum,” he said.
Tuggar explained that while ambassadors are heads of missions, deputies, counsellors, and career officers handle daily operations.
“Diplomacy is not a one-man show. The system is designed to cope with such situations,” he added.
He also noted that ambassadorial appointments are the president’s prerogative.
“Mr President is considering the matter, and when the time is right, names will be announced. Meanwhile, our missions are not idle,” Tuggar said.
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s foreign policy continues to advance, with embassies supporting trade, investment, consular services, and cultural engagement.