Vacant embassies stir calls for strong, smart ambassadors
As Nigeria seeks to reclaim its global standing amid growing economic challenges and diplomatic scrutiny, analysts say the country urgently needs a new generation of ambassadors who are strong, smart, and strategic enough to project its image, protect its interests, and rebuild meaningful partnerships abroad.
More than two years after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in 2023, most of the country’s 109 diplomatic missions remain without substantive heads, prompting calls for swift and merit-based appointments.
Though reports say that the president will likely announce the ambassador designates anytime soon, experts warn that the prolonged vacuum is costing Nigeria valuable opportunities and diminishing its influence on the international stage.
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Since the recall, embassies and high commissions have been run by chargés d’Affaires and senior mission officers, who lack the political weight to engage effectively at high levels. The absence of full ambassadors, they argue, has led to missed diplomatic courtesies, stalled negotiations, and embarrassing lapses in protocol.
One recent incident cited by diplomatic sources was the inauguration of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, where Nigeria’s delegation was reportedly overlooked in protocol arrangements—an omission attributed to the absence of an ambassador and poor coordination.
Ogbole Ode, former Nigerian envoy to Singapore, warned that such gaps undermine the country’s global credibility.
“In diplomacy, rank matters. Certain levels of discussion require ambassadorial presence. Nigeria is missing out,” he said.
He added that morale within the diplomatic service has dropped as career diplomats await postings that are vital for their progression.
“It’s time for Nigeria to field strong, smart ambassadors who can think globally and act strategically. The world will not wait for us,” Ode said.
Members of the diplomatic community and foreign policy analysts have urged President Tinubu to prioritise the appointment of qualified professionals with deep knowledge of international relations, negotiation, and strategic engagement.
Innocent Asogwa, a member of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Corps, said the country needs envoys who can effectively project its image and attract meaningful global partnerships.
“We need ambassadors who understand diplomacy, people who can communicate Nigeria’s potential and attract support for our development goals,” he said.
Asogwa added that, despite its challenges, Nigeria possesses immense potential that could be unlocked through skilled diplomacy.
“Platforms like the Binational Commissions can help to rebuild trust, attract investment, and foster international cooperation,” he noted.
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Joshua Adeniyi, another analyst, stressed that ambassadorial appointments must be based on merit rather than politics.
“We need ambassadors with clout, character, and competence, not just political loyalty. They must have the right connections and negotiation skills to open doors and protect Nigeria’s interests,” Adeniyi said.
Amid growing concern over the slow pace of appointments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defended the process. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry spokesperson, said the president was under no pressure to rush decisions.
“The appointment of ambassadors is at the discretion of the president. Our missions are still functioning effectively,” Ebienfa stated.
He, however, acknowledged that having substantive ambassadors in place would enhance Nigeria’s diplomatic leverage.
“Ambassadors have direct presidential backing to pursue sensitive negotiations. Their presence adds weight and speed to our foreign relations,” he added.
John Enemari, public affairs analyst, argued that the absence of ambassadors weakens Nigeria’s competitiveness on the world stage.
“While foreign envoys here are securing deals for their countries, our missions abroad are largely in caretaker mode,” he said.
Audu Gambo, pioneer vice-chancellor of Karl Kumm University, described the situation as a “diplomatic drift.”
“Ambassadors are the eyes, ears, and voice of a nation. Without them, Nigeria is flying blind,” he said.
He added that the vacuum has reduced Nigeria’s visibility in multilateral institutions such as the United Nations and ECOWAS, constrained its economic diplomacy, and weakened regional security partnerships.
Despite the diplomatic gaps, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar insists that Nigeria’s foreign policy has evolved into a strategic tool for national development. Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Briefing in Abuja, Tuggar said the country has deepened global partnerships and expanded its influence across key sectors.
He cited several examples of successful engagements, including the repatriation of Benin Bronzes, humanitarian efforts for Palestinian children affected by conflict, and the evacuation of Nigerian citizens trapped during the Russia-Ukraine war.
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Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s growing economic diplomacy, pointing to a $2.5 billion agriculture investment deal with Brazil, $4 billion in Chinese infrastructure commitments, and a $600 million French investment in the creative sector. The minister added that Nigeria had also secured $2 billion in power and renewable energy deals with Germany, $14 billion in investments from India, and new partnerships with Canada, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.
“We are shifting from reactive diplomacy to proactive leadership. Our foreign policy is now a deliberate instrument to advance Nigeria’s interests and reposition our nation as a respected global player,” Tuggar said.
Still, experts maintain that sustained diplomatic engagement depends on effective representation. They argue that only capable ambassadors can consolidate these achievements and drive Nigeria’s international agenda forward.
