Tinubu moves to appoint new ambassadors amid U.S. tension

ABUJA, Nigeria — November 4, 2025 (Running Africa) -. The move forms part of a broader effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic network amid growing international scrutiny.

According to BusinessDay, tensions heightened after Trump announced the suspension of U.S. aid to Nigeria and instructed the Department of Defense to prepare for potential military action over alleged persecution of Christians.

Diplomatic observers say the controversy has underscored a glaring weakness in Nigeria’s foreign relations—its prolonged lack of ambassadors in several strategic missions, including Washington, D.C. Without a resident envoy, Nigeria has struggled to engage directly with U.S. authorities during this critical moment.

The Punch reports that many Nigerian embassies are currently led by chargés d’affaires—interim diplomats who manage missions but lack full ambassadorial authority. This vacuum, analysts warn, has weakened Nigeria’s international presence and limited its ability to swiftly respond to sensitive global developments.

Tinubu’s administration is reportedly finalizing a comprehensive list of ambassadorial nominees, signaling a renewed push to rebuild Nigeria’s diplomatic strength and restore confidence in its global representation.

Government sources have confirmed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is in the final stages of completing the long-awaited list of ambassadorial appointments. Officials told The Punch that the process was delayed due to the need to revise an outdated roster — some nominees have passed away, others retired, and a few have become ineligible as they near the end of public service. The revised list, they noted, is now undergoing final vetting and cleanup.

Media outlets including Arise News and several political analysts have urged the Tinubu administration to accelerate the appointments, emphasizing that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions need renewed leadership to protect citizens abroad, boost foreign relations, and enhance the nation’s global influence.

The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) also joined the call, pressing the government to prioritize ambassadorial postings to strategic nations and to establish a coordinated framework for international lobbying and advocacy.

Analysts say that with growing international tensions and Nigeria’s absence of full ambassadors in key global capitals, finalizing these appointments has become crucial to restoring the country’s diplomatic visibility and influence.