Retired Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, warned that the absence of envoys for over a year could harm Nigeria’s international reputation. “That foreign missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has proposed a total of N55 billion in the 2025 budget to address key diplomatic needs, including N2.1 billion for the posting and return entitlements of ambassadors and officers, and N53 billion for the renovation of 103 foreign missions.
The renovation funds will cover improvements to chanceries, staff quarters, ambassadors’ residences, office furniture, and official vehicles. Specific allocations include N554 million for the mission in Abidjan, N812 million for Banjul, N555 million for Brazzaville, N558 million for Port of Spain, N576 million for Caracas, N624 million for Kingston, N567 million for Libreville, N409 million for Buenos Aires, and N899 million for Niamey.
This follows President Bola Tinubu’s recall of 83 ambassadors in September 2023 as part of efforts to reassess Nigeria’s foreign policy. However, financial constraints have delayed the appointment and deployment of new envoys.
Funding Challenges and Appointment Delays
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, acknowledged the funding shortfalls, noting that effective diplomatic missions require adequate financial support. “We met a situation where foreign affairs was not being funded like it should be. Some loopholes are exploited by the likes of Binance. It is a money problem,” Tuggar explained during a ministerial sectoral briefing in Abuja. He emphasized that deploying ambassadors without sufficient funds for travel and mission operations would be counterproductive.
Tuggar assured that the government is working on resolving the financial issues, stating, “Mr. President is working on it, and it will be done in due course.”
Appointment Process Underway
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, clarified that the nomination process involves career and political appointees, requiring vetting and National Assembly approval. “The ambassadorial list has two components. There are career ambassadors and political ambassadors. The foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will still go through certain processes before it is released,” Onanuga explained.
Concerns Over Delays
Retired diplomats have raised concerns about the prolonged absence of substantive heads for Nigeria’s missions. Former Consul to Cameroon, Rasheed Akinkuolie, highlighted the importance of functional embassies for maintaining diplomatic ties. “The delay in appointing ambassadors may be a result of some internal issues. The international community expects a functioning embassy. If an embassy is closed down, it would be a significant blow to diplomacy and foreign relations,” he said.
Retired Nigerian ambassador to Mexico, Ogbole Amedu-Ode, warned that the absence of envoys for over a year could harm Nigeria’s international reputation. “That foreign missions are without substantive heads for a short period is widely acceptable. But their absence over a year leaves so much to be desired, especially against the backdrop of the ministry’s funding challenges,” he said.
The government is expected to finalize the appointment and deployment of new ambassadors once the funding and procedural requirements are addressed.
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