As Nigerians Await Ambassadorial Nominees

There are indications that any moment from now, President Bola Tinubu will transmit a list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, marking a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s prolonged diplomatic vacuum.

Tinubu had recalled 83 ambassadors in September 2023, leaving Nigeria’s 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally without substantive leadership.

However, the delay in appointing new ambassadors has left Nigeria relying on consuls-general and chargés d’affaires, who lack the authority to represent the country at high-level engagements.

Earlier in 2024, the government deployed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires, but these interim measures have proven insufficient.

The role of an ambassador is not one which requires being a sprinter or gymnast but persons who are mature, wise and experienced in handling diplomatic affairs in the best interest of the nation. 

Ambassadors should be very experienced Nigerians who have made their marks in their chosen careers.

Persons in such positions must have impeccable credentials with mental and intellectual capabilities to handle diplomatic tension with a high level of maturity and integrity.

Age and experience also play a critical role in the effort to project the image of the country positively. 

Ambassadorial positions are not jobs for the boys or political jobbers waiting to be compensated for their contributions to election victory.

Therefore, as President Tinubu embarks on appointing designates, the nation expects the best of hands to represent the country especially during a time when the country is in dire need of foreign direct investment for speedy economic recovery.

The job is not for controversial characters and ethnic bigots who established notoriety for the use of abusive, uncivilised, unrefined, undiplomatic and uncouth language on political opponents during elections.

Maturity, decency, diplomatic finesse, tolerance, integrity and experience should be the qualities of the ambassadors, especially at this time when the international image of Nigeria is not something any Nigerian is proud of.