President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Ademola Oshodi, has confirmed that the President will announce his new ambassadors in the coming weeks.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review program on Sunday, Oshodi, who serves as the Senior Special hbuhAdviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, responded to criticism regarding the delay.
He pointed out that the previous administration took 20 months to appoint ambassadors, underscoring that such appointments take time to ensure proper arrangements.
The comments follow criticism from former Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lawrence Obisakin, and former High Commissioner to Australia, Ayoola Olukanni. Both had expressed concerns about the delay, noting that President Tinubu had recalled all career and political ambassadors 16 months ago, yet a new list has yet to be sent to the Senate for approval.
President Tinubu had recalled ambassadors from over 100 Nigerian embassies and high commissions on September 2, just a few months after his inauguration. However, the delay in appointing new ambassadors has raised concerns.
Oshodi explained that the President’s administration has been focused on ensuring that the necessary groundwork is completed for the new envoys. He emphasized that while ambassadors are crucial, the President is also working to improve the state of Nigeria’s foreign missions, which he inherited in less-than-ideal condition. He also highlighted that various diplomats, such as chargé d’affaires and consul generals, have been sent to carry out duties in the interim.
He reiterated that the process of appointing ambassadors is a priority for the administration, but the preparation required to send them and their families abroad takes time.
The presidential aide said, “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.
“We have chargé d’affaires to the nations, and consul generals that have been sent, more of a prelude to the ambassadors’ arrival.
“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 shape and prepared for the ambassadors, and their families, dignitaries, diplomats, etc.
“It is something that the President and his administration are focused on. As much as the ambassadors are key, I want to clearly state that even the last administration, without giving excuses, took 20 months for them to put ambassadors in place.”
