President Bola Tinubu will announce his ambassadors in the coming weeks, according to Ademola Oshodi, the Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol.
Speaking on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme on Sunday, Oshodi defended the delay, noting that the previous administration took 20 months to appoint ambassadors.
His remarks come amidst criticism from former diplomats, including Lawrence Obisakin, ex-Ambassador to Benin Republic, and Ayoola Olukanni, former High Commissioner to Australia.
Both faulted Tinubu’s administration for taking 16 months to appoint ambassadors after recalling over 100 career and political envoys on September 2, 2023, just three months into his presidency.
Oshodi explained that the delay was necessary to prepare the foreign missions, which were not in optimal condition when the President assumed office.
“The ambassadors are coming,” Oshodi stated. “The President has been ensuring that everything is in place for their deployment, including adequate arrangements for their families, dignitaries, and diplomats. Missions must be in good shape before ambassadors arrive.”
He also highlighted that chargés d’affaires and consuls general have been deployed to various countries as an interim measure, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to strengthening Nigeria’s foreign missions.
“Without making excuses, even the last administration took 20 months to finalize ambassadorial appointments,” he added.
