The Federal Government is currently conducting a thorough vetting process for individuals nominated to fill diplomatic positions in Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide. Among the nominees being screened are prominent figures such as former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
Sources within the Presidency and diplomatic circles have confirmed that the vetting process is ongoing, with individuals being contacted to report to the Department of State Services (DSS) for security checks. As part of the process, nominees are required to provide detailed personal information, including their educational backgrounds, work history, and previous appointments. The names of the final list of appointments will only be released once security clearances have been completed.
The vetting process, which began in earnest this year, has faced delays due to financial constraints that have plagued Nigeria’s foreign service. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been grappling with a lack of funds to adequately support its diplomatic missions abroad, including the payment of arrears and maintenance of deteriorating embassy properties.
In a statement earlier this year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, acknowledged that a lack of funding had significantly impacted the operations of Nigeria’s embassies and consulates. He emphasized that appointing ambassadors without sufficient financial resources to back their operations would be futile, as they would be unable to fulfill their duties effectively.
“The problem is money,” Tuggar said during a ministerial briefing. “There’s no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated countries and to run the missions effectively. This issue is being addressed, but it will take time.”
According to some officials, a significant amount of funding—up to $1 billion—is needed to pay arrears, maintain dilapidated buildings, and replace outdated vehicles at many Nigerian embassies. A considerable portion of this amount is also required for capital expenditure to restore essential facilities and services at Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Since taking office in May 2023, President Tinubu has operated without appointed ambassadors, relying on interim measures while conducting a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s foreign policy. This delay in filling diplomatic positions was also influenced by the reassessment of the country’s foreign relations and the recall of over 80 ambassadors in September 2023.
Initially, there were reports that Tinubu planned to submit a consolidated list of nominees to the National Assembly before the end of 2023. However, sources close to the President revealed that the process was delayed further due to the funding challenges facing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Foreign Service.
Some government officials cited that the lack of adequate resources, particularly for embassy operations, was the primary reason behind the delay in appointing new ambassadors. For example, many embassies in Africa, Asia, and Europe are said to be in dire condition, with many lacking essential services such as electricity, running water, and even functional vehicles for diplomatic duties.
Although the complete list of nominees remains classified, some notable figures have been identified as being under consideration. Among these are Femi Fani-Kayode, a former aviation minister and controversial political figure; Femi Pedro, a former deputy governor of Lagos State; and Fola Adeola, the founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
Fani-Kayode, known for his outspoken political views, has been a prominent figure in Nigerian politics for decades. His inclusion on the list of potential nominees has raised eyebrows, given his history of strong and sometimes controversial public statements. However, sources say that he has passed the preliminary stages of the vetting process and is now undergoing security clearance checks by the DSS.
Pedro, who has also been active in Nigerian politics and business, is another name reportedly under consideration. Like Fani-Kayode, Pedro’s name has sparked discussions due to his previous roles in government and his current influence in the private sector.
There have also been claims that Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was on the list. However, reliable sources within the Presidency have denied these reports, clarifying that Omokri is not among the nominees.
As the government works to finalize its list of ambassadors, there is increasing pressure on the private sector to contribute more significantly to the development of Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has previously called for greater private sector participation in Nigeria’s foreign policy initiatives, emphasizing that the government alone cannot meet the challenges posed by an increasingly complex global landscape.
The inclusion of individuals like Fola Adeola, a respected business leader, suggests that the Nigerian government is looking to balance political appointments with professional expertise. Adeola’s experience in the private sector could provide valuable insight into fostering stronger economic and diplomatic ties with foreign countries, especially in terms of trade, investment, and economic diplomacy.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, recently addressed concerns about the delay in appointing new ambassadors, stating that the process must be thorough and well-documented before the final list is transmitted to the National Assembly for confirmation. He explained that the process involves both career and political ambassadors and must be managed carefully to avoid complications that could harm Nigeria’s reputation abroad.
“The ambassadorial list has two components: career ambassadors and political ambassadors,” Onanuga said. “The final list will still go through certain processes before it is made public.”
Though the specific timing for the announcement remains uncertain, the expectation is that the government will release the list of new appointments soon. However, the nomination process could still face further delays due to ongoing financial issues and security clearance checks.
As the Nigerian government moves closer to finalizing its ambassadorial appointments, the broader challenge of improving Nigeria’s foreign relations and diplomatic effectiveness remains. The country’s embassies and consulates have long been underfunded and poorly maintained, but with the President’s foreign policy framework, which focuses on democracy, development, diaspora engagement, and a stronger global presence, there is hope that Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts can be revitalized.
The appointment of new ambassadors will be a critical step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s global standing. However, the successful implementation of President Tinubu’s foreign policy goals will require sustained investment in Nigeria’s foreign missions, as well as strategic engagement with the private sector to address the growing demands of international diplomacy.
As the vetting process continues, Nigerians eagerly await the announcement of the new diplomats who will represent the country at its embassies and high commissions across the world.
