President Bola Tinubu has submitted a list of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, marking a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s diplomatic representation. The nominees—Kayode Are of Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu of Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke—were announced by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session. Akpabio noted that the submission complies with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, and that while the current list contains three names, additional nominees may be added in the future. He has tasked the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs with reporting back within one week.
The move comes after a prolonged delay in appointing ambassadors, which has drawn criticism. Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu had not appointed any ambassadors, prompting a “comprehensive diplomatic review” that led to the recall of all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions. Consequently, most missions have been run by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited authority. The delay has been attributed to the complexity of balancing political and professional interests, a challenge Tinubu has acknowledged, stating that making these appointments is not easy.
Tinubu has expressed gratitude for the patience of those awaiting appointments and indicated that slots for ambassadorial positions remain available. Filling these posts is crucial for addressing diplomatic tensions, such as Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States. The absence of ambassadors has limited Nigeria’s representation in formal negotiations, underscoring the need for swift confirmation of the nominees. With the list now submitted, the Senate is expected to expedite the confirmation process, enabling the nominees to assume their roles and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence.
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