President Bola Tinubu has initiated the compilation of a new list of ambassadors.
According to The PUNCH, Tinubu recalled all of Nigeria’s ambassadors, both career and non-career, on September 2.
The directive required their return to the country by October 31, 2023, communicated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
While some envoys have already returned, others, though having formally handed over to their senior officers, are in the process of finalizing travel arrangements to comply with the government’s directive.
An anonymous ambassador emphasized that challenges may prevent all ambassadors from meeting the given deadline, asserting that they are not intentionally violating the regulations.
He stated, “Each mission (embassy/high commission) has its peculiar condition. It is, therefore, not possible for all ambassadors to meet the deadline.
“This is not to say that those who could not return before the deadline have gone against the presidential directive. There is that understanding, following general recall of ambassadors every four years.
“I am one of those that have yet to return and the reason why I am still here is because of some circumstances that require attention from me for a little more time. I am ready to depart soonest.”
Another ambassador in one of the countries in Europe stated that his delay in the country was due to unforeseen circumstances, adding, “I am substantially in compliance with the October 31st deadline.”
Reports on Friday indicated that Tinubu is already compiling names of new ambassadors that would represent Nigeria in different countries.
A top official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told our correspondent, “Names of new ambassadors are being compiled.”
