ADC to President Tinubu: Junior Diplomats Cannot Represent Nigeria — Appoint Ambassadors Now
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately appoint ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions, warning that the continued failure to do so is damaging the country’s foreign relations and making life more difficult for Nigerians abroad.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed grave concern that Nigeria has now gone longer than ever before without duly accredited ambassadors — a diplomatic gap that risks international embarrassment and serious long-term consequences.
“This is the longest period Nigeria has been without ambassadors in any of its foreign missions,” the statement noted. “If this unacceptable situation is allowed to persist, other countries may begin to downgrade Nigeria’s diplomatic status — and ordinary Nigerians will bear the brunt.”
The party condemned the Tinubu administration’s apparent lack of urgency in restoring full diplomatic representation, saying it reflects a broader failure to grasp the responsibilities of governing a nation of Nigeria’s stature.
Full statement reads:
Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled Nigeria’s 109 ambassadors in 2023, not a single replacement has been named. As a result, Nigeria currently has no voice or representation at high-level decision-making tables across the world — tables where decisions that directly impact our country and our citizens are made.
A clear consequence of this diplomatic vacuum is the worsening of visa and consular issues with nations like the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Yet the government has shown no urgency in addressing the matter. Junior diplomats or Chargé d’Affaires cannot replace ambassadors — their access and recognition are significantly limited.
This inexplicable failure to appoint ambassadors has weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic engagement and reduced our stature with host countries. If this continues, other countries may begin downgrading their missions in Nigeria in protest — a devastating outcome at a time when we desperately need strong international partnerships.
While other nations are building alliances, negotiating trade deals, and attracting investments, Nigeria is not even in the room. As other African countries assert their presence in Washington, Beijing, and Moscow, Nigeria remains absent — unable even to formally introduce herself.
While the Tinubu administration appears focused on rewarding cronies with ambassadorial appointments, millions of Nigerians abroad — students, workers, and professionals — continue to suffer indignity and neglect. Our consular services have become dysfunctional, morale within the foreign service is at its lowest ebb, and our embassies have become symbols of a country that no longer takes itself seriously.
A recent example of this diplomatic shortfall is the mishandling of the United States’ reported request for Nigeria to accept deported Venezuelans. While the ADC supports the federal government’s refusal to comply, we find it disturbing that such a sensitive issue was addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on a prime-time television show. Matters of this nature should be managed discreetly and diplomatically — not broadcast for show. But this is typical of a government that prefers theatrics to thoughtful policymaking.
The ADC calls on President Tinubu to stop playing politics with Nigeria’s foreign policy. It is time to appoint qualified ambassadors who can represent our national interest with competence, professionalism, and dignity.
Enough is enough. Appoint ambassadors now.
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