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Admin Josh
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September 8, 2025
The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has attributed the delay in announcing ambassadorial appointments—two years after Nigerian envoys were recalled globally—to funding constraints affecting Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Bwala acknowledged growing pressure from Nigerians but said financial realities remain a major obstacle. He explained that President Tinubu may prioritize strategic postings, particularly in G20 countries, to strengthen critical economic partnerships.
Despite delays, Bwala assured that embassies without ambassadors still have representatives capable of communicating with foreign governments. He emphasized the importance of filling ambassadorial positions to enhance Nigeria’s credibility abroad.
“This President is a listening President. Whenever a good case is made, he finds a solution, either immediately or after consideration,” Bwala said.
In September 2023, the Tinubu administration recalled all Nigerian ambassadors. Two years later, replacements have yet to be named, leaving 109 missions—including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates—without permanent envoys.
Ambassadors typically maintain diplomatic relations, promote foreign policy, protect citizens, and foster trade and investment. The absence of appointments, coupled with delayed salaries for diplomats, has raised concerns. Reports indicate that in February 2024, around 450 foreign service officers had not received salaries for five to six months, affecting their ability to meet basic family and social obligations.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, previously cited economic challenges as a reason for the delays. In November 2024, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs called on the federal government to fund foreign missions adequately to enable them to deliver essential services.
Meanwhile, Nigerians in the diaspora continue to face hardships. Cities like New York and Atlanta lack passport printing facilities, preventing citizens from traveling for work, emergencies, or family matters—highlighting administrative gaps amid the prol
Source: BarristerNg | Read the Full Story…
