Nigeria’s renewed diplomatic push has hit a brick wall as more than 60 envoys appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu face rejection or delays from host countries, casting uncertainty over the nation’s foreign representation.
The President had, on March 6, approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners to man Nigeria’s 109 missions worldwide—many of which have operated without substantive heads since a sweeping recall in 2023. But weeks after the announcement, only the United Kingdom and France have reportedly granted the required diplomatic clearance, known as agrément.
Multiple countries are said to be dragging their feet or outright declining Nigeria’s nominees, citing the limited time left in the current administration, which is set to end on May 29, 2027. Diplomatic sources suggest many nations are reluctant to accept envoys whose tenure may barely exceed a year.
Among those caught in the uncertainty are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and political commentator Reno Omokri, whose postings remain pending as host nations withhold approval.
India has reportedly declined to accept Ambassador-designate Muhammad Dahiru, while countries such as Germany and Mexico are said to be hesitant, further compounding Nigeria’s diplomatic setback.
The development comes after a prolonged vacuum in Nigeria’s foreign missions, where lower-ranking officials have been managing affairs—raising concerns about weakened global engagement and influence.
As uncertainty deepens, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official response, leaving dozens of envoys stranded in anticipation, and Nigeria’s diplomatic corps facing one of its most awkward foreign policy moments in recent years.
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