‘Ambassadorial Appointments Not For Political Show,’ Foreign Ministry Tells ADC
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed recent criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) about delays in ambassadorial appointments, describing the remarks as “alarmist,” “politically motivated,” and “misinformed.”
In a statement, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Ministry said Nigeria’s diplomatic missions remain fully operational and effectively represented by seasoned foreign service officers, including experienced chargés d’affaires.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly refutes the recent statement by the ADC regarding Nigeria’s foreign representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Ministry considers the ADC’s remarks to be alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy,” the statement read.
Weighing in on the subject of ambassadorial appointments, the Ministry stressed that such decisions are a sovereign prerogative, not a political expedient.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function—not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement. President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment—not patronage or expediency,” it stated.
“Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs,” the statement concluded, urging political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility in matters relating to foreign policy.
The statement highlighted recent diplomatic activities led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as evidence of Nigeria’s active global presence.
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“Recent high-level engagements by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs demonstrate Nigeria’s robust external relations,” it noted, referencing strategic meetings with officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, Egypt, as well as participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
Responding to the ADC’s claim that Nigeria’s missions have become “sorry symbols,” the Ministry called the accusation not only “false” but “insulting” to the dedication of Nigerian diplomats.
While it acknowledged long-standing structural and funding challenges that predate the current administration, the Ministry said that Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction, often under difficult circumstances.
The Ministry also rejected criticism regarding Nigeria’s response to the reported U.S. proposal to deport Venezuelan prisoners to African countries.
