Missing envoys stall Nigeria’s diplomacy

More than 20 months after President Bola Tinubu recalled Nigeria’s ambassadors to pave the way for a renewed and efficient foreign service, the country remains without substantive representation in most of its 109 diplomatic missions.

The vacuum has drawn criticism from foreign affairs experts, analysts, and former diplomats, who warn that Nigeria’s prolonged absence from global diplomatic conversations is harming its international standing, business interests, and the welfare of its citizens abroad.

From missed diplomatic courtesies during high-level visits to delayed international agreements and sidelining at major global events, Nigeria’s foreign missions have been operating in limbo, headed only by mission officers and charge d’affaires, who lack the political clout to drive strategic engagements.

One notable example, cited by an analyst, was the recent inauguration of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, where Nigeria’s delegation faced public embarrassment. Protocol officials reportedly failed to recognise Nigeria’s presence, an oversight attributed to the absence of a substantive ambassador and poor diplomatic coordination.

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“If not for the personal intervention of Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, minister of state for foreign affairs, who has a longstanding relationship with the Namibian leadership, the situation could have been worse,” the analyst said.

This incident reflects broader concerns among foreign policy experts who say Nigeria is being relegated to the background at international fora due to its diplomatic inertia.

They argue that in the strict hierarchical world of diplomacy, the presence or absence of a substantive ambassador can determine the level of access, respect, and influence a nation commands.

“There are certain levels of discussion and diplomatic interface that an acting official simply cannot access.

“It may seem minor at first, but seniority in rank carries significant weight. Nigeria is missing out”, Ogbole Ode, Nigeria’s former envoy to Singapore, told BusinessDay.

Ode warned that the morale among career diplomats, many of whom have waited years for ambassadorial postings, is at an all-time low.

“For them, time is of the essence to achieve their career objectives. This delay is impinging not just on their morale but also on productivity”, he added.

BusinessDay checks reveal that several international events and agreements have either been cancelled or significantly scaled down due to Nigeria’s lack of ambassadorial leadership.

In one instance, a potential agreement in an Asian country was dropped from the agenda at the last minute.

A source within the Presidency confirmed the development, stating that Nigeria’s charge d’affaires did not have the authority or diplomatic leverage to push the deal through.

“Had an ambassador been present, that deal would have gone through,” the source added.

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Similarly, joint commissions and cooperation frameworks with strategic partners have been placed ‘in abeyance’ pending the appointment of ambassadors to spearhead these negotiations.

John Enemari, a public affairs analyst, said Nigeria’s efforts to attract foreign investors are being hampered by the absence of senior diplomats.

“Foreign diplomats in Nigeria are aggressively securing deals and ensuring their citizens enjoy a smooth business climate. We need our own envoys out there doing the same,” he said.

Francis Onuoha, a political scientist at the National Defence College in Abuja, argued that while ambassadors are crucial, the treatment Nigeria receives abroad is often a reflection of its domestic governance.

“Ninety percent of how a country is treated abroad is about optics perception. If your government does not treat its citizens well at home, you can’t expect respect abroad. Security, justice, and equal access to economic opportunities are what project national image”, Onuoha said.

His views are echoed by Michael Ugwueze, associate professor at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, who recently returned from a visit to Taiwan. Ugwueze recounted how difficult it was to defend Nigeria’s global image in the face of weak representation and internal disarray.

“Our leaders focus too much on political interests, forgetting the consequences for the nation. There’s no shortage of competent Nigerians. The problem is political: who gets what, when, and how,” he said.

Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, recently reassured the public that the list of ambassadorial nominees would soon be forwarded to the Senate for screening.

“We have mission officers running the embassies for now, immigration, defence, and military attachés. It doesn’t mean the missions are non-functional,” he said.

However, sources within the Presidency suggest that the list has been ready for some time but is being held back for ‘thorough vetting.’

“The President is taking his time to ensure the right people are nominated. It’s not just about filling positions, it’s about getting it right,” the source said, adding that the President knows what he is doing.

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Prolonged vetting comes at a cost
However, critics argue that this prolonged vetting is coming at a high cost. The delay not only hampers Nigeria’s international engagements but also affects the credibility of the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy agenda.

The absence of ambassadors, analysts warn, is more than just a bureaucratic delay; it is a diplomatic drift that could undermine Nigeria’s long-term strategic interests.

“Ambassadors are the eyes, ears, and voice of a nation abroad. Without them, Nigeria is flying blind,” said Audu Gambo, pioneer vice-chancellor of Karl Kumm University.

“Beyond facilitating political and economic ties, ambassadors play crucial roles in defending national interests, assisting citizens, and shaping international narratives.

“Their absence sends a worrying signal to the global community that Nigeria may not be serious about its international engagements,” he noted.

Gambo painted a dire picture of the strategic consequences of Nigeria’s prolonged diplomatic silence. “Nigeria’s absence from key international forums such as the UN, African Union, and ECOWAS diminishes our lobbying power and global influence,” he warned.

He emphasised that ambassadors are essential for facilitating trade, negotiating investment deals, and attracting development aid.

“Their absence could lead to missed economic opportunities and a decline in foreign investments,” he said.

He also highlighted the security implications, noting that ambassadors play a key role in fostering intelligence sharing and security cooperation.

“Their absence weakens our global security posture and compromises the safety of Nigerians abroad,” he noted.

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Tuggar intervenes
At a recent ministerial briefing in Abuja, Minister Tuggar insisted that the country has successfully asserted its national interests and amplified its voice on both bilateral and multilateral platforms.

“From securing the release of detained citizens to championing humanitarian causes, Nigeria’s foreign policy has evolved into a tool of strategic engagement and national advancement,” Tuggar stated.

He revealed that under the current administration, Nigeria has facilitated the release of several citizens detained abroad, including those held in Addis Ababa, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

In a notable cultural achievement, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in facilitating the return of the stolen Benin Bronzes, describing it as “a major milestone that restored our cultural heritage and bolstered national pride.”

The minister also underscored the country’s push in soft power diplomacy.