In September 2023, the Nigerian government led by President Bola Tinubu announced the withdrawal of the country’s ambassadors across the globe.
One year and ten months later, however, he has failed to name replacements for those asked to step aside nearly two years ago, SaharaReporters reports.
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.
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. (SaharaReporters)
