Why Tinubu is Delaying Ambassadorial Appointment 

 

 

Why Tinubu is Delaying Ambassadorial Appointment
Speaking on a programme, Bwala explained that the administration is aware of growing pressure from Nigerians over the matter but noted that financial realities are a major obstacle.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has said that the President’s delay in announcing ambassadorial appointments, two years since his administration withdrew Nigerian ambassadors across the globe, is due to funding constraints affecting Nigerian embassies abroad.

Speaking on a programme, Bwala explained that the administration is aware of growing pressure from Nigerians over the matter but noted that financial realities are a major obstacle.

“Mr. President has acknowledged the delays in the ambassadorial list, primarily due to funding constraints affecting our foreign embassies, an issue I am diligently addressing,” Bwala said.

He added that Tinubu may decide to prioritise only key strategic postings, particularly in G-20 countries.

“Despite the surrounding clamour, the President can strategically prioritise appointments to G20 nations, recognising their critical economic partnerships with us,” he said.

According to him, “The ambassadorial list will be resolved promptly, ensuring effective representation.”

Bwala further assured that Nigerian embassies without substantive ambassadors were not left without representation.

“We know the challenges in all the foreign embassies. He said he is looking into it.

“But in every embassy where there is no ambassador, there are Nigerian representatives there that can communicate with the foreign governments,” he said.

However, he acknowledged the importance of filling the positions.

He said, “But we also understand the importance of having an ambassador, especially because it will boost the credence and the respect that the country will have towards us.

“Who knows if the President, even in the midst of this cacophony, might just identify the G-20 countries and send ambassadors to these G-20 countries?

“Those countries, we consider them as serious countries in terms of doing business. If you have ambassadors in those countries, you can strengthen that. But there is nothing like that on the ground.”

Describing Tinubu as a leader who listens, Bwala said Nigerians should trust that the issue would soon be addressed.

“This President is a listening President. Whenever you make a good case for something, he will find an answer to it, either it is implemented immediately or he will look into it and implement it or he will tell you why it is being delayed.

“He said it not as if he doesn’t know but it is because we have funding issues, and he promised that he is going to look into it,” he said.

In September 2023, the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu announced the withdrawal of the country’s ambassadors across the globe.

However, two years later, he has failed to name replacements for those asked to step aside two years ago.

Nigeria has a total of 109 missions, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.

Usually, ambassadors represent Nigeria abroad and maintain diplomatic relations with host countries.

Other functions include the promotion of foreign policy, protection of citizens, promotion of trade and investment, and gathering information for Nigeria.

SaharaReporters had reported that in 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, disclosed the recall of all envoys.

The minister’s media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said, “Sequel to inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that all career and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Tinubu.

“Ambassadors, as representatives of the country, serve at the behest of the President, and it is his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”

The Tinubu administration has not just refused to appoint ambassadors; the welfare of diplomats at embassies has also come under scrutiny.

In the second week of July this year, it was reported that diplomats were owed salaries for six months.

In February, it was reported that at least 450 foreign service officers in 109 Nigerian missions abroad were yet to receive their salaries for five to six months.

It was noted that the officials, serving under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, were in financial distress and could not pay rent, children’s school fees, or meet other family and social obligations.

In May 2024, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, attributed the delay in appointing ambassadors to financial and economic challenges being faced by the current administration.

On November 16, 2024, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs called on the Nigerian federal government to prioritise adequate funding of the nation’s foreign missions to enable them to deliver services to the country as provided in the country’s extant laws.

The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) earlier this year expressed concerns over the absence of passport printers in New York and Atlanta, lamenting that Nigerians in these locations have been neglected.

The lack of passport printing facilities in both cities has caused undue hardship for Nigerians in the diaspora, leaving many stranded without valid passports.

This situation has prevented them from traveling for emergencies, work, or family commitments, highlighting the administrative challenges faced by Nigerians abroad amid continued government negligence under the Bola Tinubu’s administration.