President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will unveil Nigeria’s new ambassadors within the next few weeks, according to Ademola Oshodi, the Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol. Oshodi disclosed this on Sunday during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review programme.

“I believe in the next few weeks, there will be a pronouncement for the ambassadors, and steps will be taken by the Senate and accreditation to put them in place in their various missions around the world,” Oshodi said.

The announcement follows months of criticism over the delay in appointing ambassadors. Tinubu recalled all career and political ambassadors in September 2023, three months after assuming office, leaving over 100 Nigerian embassies and high commissions without permanent representation.

During the programme, Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lawrence Obisakin, and former High Commissioner to Australia, Ayoola Olukanni, criticized the prolonged gap in appointing new envoys. They highlighted the importance of maintaining robust diplomatic representation to advance Nigeria’s interests abroad.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had earlier defended the recall of ambassadors, emphasizing that their service was at the President’s discretion. However, 16 months later, Tinubu has yet to send a list of nominees to the Senate for approval.

Oshodi explained that the delay was due to the President’s efforts to overhaul and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign missions, which were reportedly in poor condition when he assumed office.

“The ambassadors are coming, but the most important thing we should realise is that things are being put in place for the ambassadors and the high commissioners,” Oshodi said. “We have chargé d’affaires and consul generals serving in interim capacities, ensuring continuity in diplomatic relations.”

Oshodi also noted that the previous administration took 20 months to appoint ambassadors, implying that Tinubu’s government is on track compared to past timelines.

He added, “The foreign missions are not in dire straits. The president inherited missions that were not in great shape. So, things have to be put in place and prepared for the ambassadors, their families, dignitaries, and diplomats.”

The announcement of ambassadors is expected to reinvigorate Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and restore full representation in its missions abroad.