A Nigerian foreign policy expert has criticised the federal government’s handling of ambassadorial appointments, describing the process as dysfunctional and internationally embarrassing.
Kunle Fagbemi, a political scientist and national security scholar, expressed his concerns during an interview on Arise Television on Friday. His remarks follow recent public announcements regarding ambassadorial postings that have sparked debate over diplomatic protocol.
According to Fagbemi, the proper procedure requires that ambassador-designates complete a mandatory induction course before their names and postings are made public. He asserted that such announcements should originate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the Presidency.
“We are operating a dysfunctional diplomatic practice,” Fagbemi stated. He specifically referenced a recent statement from the Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, which disclosed the names of appointees prior to their induction and noted that only two had received host country agreement.
Fagbemi warned that this approach is counterproductive. By highlighting that many nominees lack host country approval, the statement signals to other nations that they too may withhold consent, thereby delaying the posting process. “It gave a pointer to other stakeholders to know that they too can decide not to do the needful,” he explained.
Under Nigeria’s diplomatic protocol, presidential nominees for ambassadorial positions typically undergo screening and confirmation by the Senate. After confirmation, they are expected to attend an induction programme before being posted to their assigned countries. The final posting and presentation of credentials to host governments depend on receiving agrément, or formal approval, from the receiving state.
Fagbemi’s critique underscores a perceived lack of coordination between the Presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He urged better adherence to established diplomatic norms to prevent further embarrassment and ensure a smooth appointment process for Nigeria’s envoys abroad. The issue raises questions about the standard operating procedures for high-level diplomatic assignments within the Nigerian government.
