Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, clarified that the recall was a presidential decision, aiming to enhance Nigeria’s international representation. However, the absence of immediate replacements has raised concerns, with some stakeholders criticizing the vacuum created in diplomatic engagements.

In April 2024, the government appointed 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires as temporary replacements, though these roles lack the authority to engage at the highest diplomatic levels. Minister Tuggar cited funding constraints as the main reason for the delay in ambassadorial appointments, a situation that former Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amb. Eche Abu-Ode confirmed could depend on supplementary budget approvals.

This delay echoes challenges from former President Muhammadu Buhari’s tenure, where ambassadorial appointments took up to 20 months. Stakeholders fear that continued delays could harm Nigeria’s global reputation and hinder foreign investment prospects.

A senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official, who spoke anonymously, expressed frustration over the lack of updates regarding the appointments. Retired diplomats, including Amb. Ogbole Amedu-Ode and Amb. Rasheed Akinkuolie, have called for reforms, particularly concerning funding and staffing in Nigeria’s foreign missions.

Akinkuolie highlighted the importance of appointing resident ambassadors to facilitate high-level relations with host governments. He also recommended that diplomatic missions be funded through dedicated dollar accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria, separate from the local currency used to run domestic operations.

Despite these challenges, the government has begun deploying consular officers to missions in countries such as Malaysia, Spain, and Brazil. Some officers have already taken up their posts, while others are scheduled to leave in the coming weeks.