Group Faults Delay in Designating Ambassadors to Foreign Missions by FG

Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja

The Independent Association of Nigeria has deplored the continued delay in posting ambassadors to most of the country’s foreign missions.

Apart from stalling key functions of the embassies, the association said the non-designation of ambassadors is adversely affecting the image and fortunes of Nigeria.

A statement signed by the association’s Secretary General, Kayode Abdulkareem, called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately appoint and post ambassadors to countries across the world to help give the needed push to our representation in world affairs.

He said that posting of ambassadors will promote foreign investment, exports and prevent or minimize the challenges being faced by Nigerians traveling to other countries.

According to the association, the issue of paucity of funds being canvassed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cannot justify the non-appointment and posting of Nigerian ambassadors one full year into the present administration.

“We don’t know with what words to describe this except sheer incompetence. Are we saying that Nigeria’s foreign policy with all its attendant importance and benefits is not a priority deserving adequate funding? One may ask, how much does it cost to finance an ambassador to operate in an embassy, since all the embassy staff are operating.

Abdulkareem further urged President Tinubu not to allow some elements to kill the country’s strong foreign policy advocacy which has been the pride of the nation.