FG Says That Nigeria still active abroad despite envoy delay

The Federal Government has dismissed concerns raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over the delayed appointment of ambassadors, insisting that Nigeria’s foreign missions remain functional and active.

The ADC had accused President Bola Tinubu of allowing the country’s diplomatic missions to operate without officially appointed ambassadors for an unusually long time. It warned that the continued absence of envoys could damage Nigeria’s international standing and make life harder for its citizens abroad.

But on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, pushed back against the claims. He said the criticism was not only wrong but also politically driven. According to him, the idea that the absence of new ambassadors means Nigeria has no voice abroad is misleading. He explained that career diplomats and chargés d’affaires are currently in charge of missions and are doing their jobs well.

Tuggar argued that Nigeria’s foreign policy is still very much alive, with diplomats handling consular duties, trade relations, and citizen protection. He said these officials continue to uphold the country’s interests in different parts of the world, even without newly appointed ambassadors.

The minister described the ADC’s statement as insulting to Nigerian diplomats working under tough conditions. He said morale within the service remains strong and that many of the current challenges faced by foreign missions—such as funding or infrastructure—existed long before the Tinubu administration came into office.

On the matter of appointments, Tuggar said the president would not be pressured to make rushed decisions. He explained that ambassadorial postings are the president’s exclusive right and will be carried out in line with the national interest, based on merit and strategic needs—not political demands or favoritism.

He also addressed reports that Nigeria had refused a U.S. proposal related to the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. Tuggar said Nigeria’s response to the U.S. was based on clear principles and respect for national sovereignty, and that it did not reflect poor diplomacy as some had suggested.

Calling for more responsibility in public commentary, the minister urged political parties and public figures to avoid using foreign policy as a tool for partisan attacks. He warned that careless statements could harm Nigeria’s global image.

He added that diplomacy is built on careful planning, communication, and long-term strategy—not political noise. According to Tuggar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue working to protect Nigeria’s interests globally, while the government takes the necessary time to put the right people in ambassadorial positions.