Fresh Trouble as 32 of Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees Face Uncertainty

Fresh concerns have emerged over the diplomatic appointments of President Bola Tinubu, as 32 out of his 65 ambassadorial nominees are yet to receive agrément from their respective host countries.

Recent updates indicate that only 33 nominees have secured the required approval, leaving nearly half still in limbo. The spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the development, noting that progress has been gradual.

He explained that those who have received agrément will proceed to their assigned diplomatic missions after completing an ongoing induction programme in Abuja, which concludes today.

Agrément is a crucial diplomatic requirement, as it represents the formal consent of a receiving country after conducting background checks on a nominated envoy. Without it, ambassadors cannot assume their roles.

However, delays in the appointment process appear to be a major factor behind the current situation. Although Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, ambassadorial nominations were not submitted until late 2025. This late timing has reportedly put some nominees at a disadvantage, as host countries may take longer to process or even decline approvals.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has urged the incoming envoys to focus on improving the country’s global image despite internal challenges such as insecurity and infrastructure deficits.

Adding to the concerns, one of the nominees, Mohammed Mahmud Lele, who was designated as ambassador to Algeria, recently passed away.