Diplomatic Embarrassment Looms Over Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Appointments with Only Two Countries Granting Approval

Some countries may decline to accept several ambassadors recently nominated by the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, according to diplomatic sources.

The Nigerian government recently announced the deployment of 65 ambassadors to various countries and international organizations after more than two years without permanent envoys in many missions.

However, diplomatic approval from host countries, known as agrément, is still required before the ambassadors can officially assume their posts.

So far only two nominees have reportedly received approval. They include Nigeria’s envoys to the United Kingdom and France, while the remaining candidates are still awaiting confirmation from their host countries.

Sources familiar with diplomatic discussions say some countries may hesitate to approve the appointments because of Nigeria’s political timeline. President Tinubu’s current term is expected to end shortly after the 2027 general election, leaving a relatively short window for newly appointed diplomats to serve.

Some countries also have policies that discourage accepting ambassadors from administrations with less than two years remaining in office.

Among the nominees still awaiting approval are several high profile political figures and former government officials.

Diplomats say the approval process could take months and in some cases requests for agrément may simply remain unanswered, leaving uncertainty over when many of the envoys will eventually take up their posts.

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