President Tinubu recently approved the posting of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries and international organisations. Among the nominees are several prominent political figures and diplomats assigned to countries such as Germany, China, Mexico and India, as well as to the United Nations.
Some countries, including Germany and India, have reportedly declined to accept several ambassadors recently nominated by the Nigerian President, due to concerns about the short time left in his current administration.
According to diplomatic sources, the rejection is linked to a policy practiced by some countries which discourages accepting ambassadors from governments that have less than two years remaining in office.
Under international diplomatic practice, a receiving country must grant agrément —formal approval — before an ambassador can assume duty.
Recall that in September 2023, the Nigerian government recalled ambassadors from more than 100 foreign missions, leaving many diplomatic posts vacant.
One senior Presidency official explained the situation, saying: “They don’t accept an ambassador from an administration that has less than two years in office.”
“Some countries are reluctant to accept some people, not because of the individuals but because of time. They see the government as having a short period left.”
Another foreign service source noted that countries are worried that a new government could soon replace the ambassadors if the current administration fails to win the next election.
“Their concern is that he has just about a year left, so what if he doesn’t win the election? Another government may come and remove them.”
Sources also said the delay in appointing ambassadors created part of the problem.
Meanwhile, officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are hoping Nigeria’s strong diplomatic ties with some countries could help convince them to make exceptions to their policies.
The next Nigerian presidential election is scheduled for January 2027, while Tinubu’s current term ends in May 2027.
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