The prolonged delay by the Federal Government in the appointment of new ambassadors has sparked concerns within diplomatic circles, as many senior career diplomats risk missing the opportunity to serve as envoys before reaching retirement, Sunday PUNCH has learnt.
In Nigeria’s civil service, officers are required to retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years in service, whichever comes first.
All ambassadors were recalled in September 2023, four months after President Bola Tinubu assumed office.
While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not provide a specific reason at the time, it stated that ambassadors served at the pleasure of the president and could be recalled at any moment.
A former presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, later said the decision was the result of the President’s “careful study” of Nigeria’s foreign missions, as part of efforts to align with the administration’s “renewed hope agenda” aimed at enhancing efficiency and service delivery.
Since then, Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions have been operating under charge d’affaires — career diplomats managing posts in the absence of appointed ambassadors — amid widespread funding shortfalls and staffing challenges.
A retired diplomat, who requested anonymity because of his closeness to the matter, expressed concern over the impact of the continued delay on the careers of seasoned foreign service officials.
“Career diplomats are being shortchanged and most of them will not have the opportunity of representing the country as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary because of the delay by the Federal Government in appointing principal envoys for our missions, as retirement will catch up with some of the officials under consideration,” he said.
Another retired senior envoy described the situation as demoralising, pointing to the significance of ambassadorial appointments for career officers.
“Ambassadorial appointment for career diplomats is a source for career fulfilment after rising through the ranks to the pinnacle of the diplomatic service,” the retired diplomat said.
In April 2025, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that the ministry had submitted a list of nominees to the president for ambassadorial appointments.
However, the appointments have yet to be made, more than a year after the recall of previous envoys.
“The president has to forward the names to the Senate for screening, and thereafter, there will be a request where we will assign ambassadors to the nations where they will go,” Tuggar had said.
He attributed the delay partly to the government’s focus on key economic reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira, which resulted in a significant devaluation of the currency.
The minister also confirmed that the list of nominees included both career diplomats and political appointees.
As part of the 2025 budget, the Federal Government proposed N2.1bn for the posting and return entitlements of ambassadors and other officers.
An additional N53bn was earmarked for the renovation of 103 foreign missions, covering chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadorial residences, furniture, and official vehicles.
When contacted by Sunday PUNCH, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, acknowledged the potential impact of the delays on senior officials nearing retirement.
“It is true that the delay might affect some directors and deputy directors who might have been earlier considered for ambassadorial appointment, especially those that have less than two years to their date of retirement, but the number might not be as much as speculated,” Ebienfa said.
He added that the ministry remained optimistic about a resolution soon.
“Mr. President will soon send the list of prospective ambassadors to the National Assembly for consideration and confirmation to put the matter to rest,” Ebienfa said.
