The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded strongly to recent criticism by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over delays in ambassadorial appointments, calling the remarks “alarmist,” “politically motivated,” and “misinformed.”
In a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Foreign Minister, the Ministry emphasized that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions remain fully functional and are currently managed by experienced foreign service officers, including seasoned chargés d’affaires.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly refutes the recent statement by the ADC regarding Nigeria’s foreign representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” the statement read. “The ADC’s comments misrepresent the operational realities of diplomacy and are intended to stoke political controversy.”
Addressing the core issue, the Ministry clarified that ambassadorial appointments are a sovereign responsibility—not a political favor to be rushed or influenced by partisan interests.
“Such appointments are not to be treated as political rewards but must reflect merit, competence, and alignment with national strategic interests,” the Ministry said, affirming President Tinubu’s commitment to reforming the foreign service under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
It further dismissed claims that Nigeria’s voice on the global stage has diminished, urging political parties to show restraint when commenting on sensitive foreign policy matters.
Highlighting Nigeria’s ongoing diplomatic engagements, the Ministry pointed to a series of high-level meetings led by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar with officials from the U.S., U.K., Germany, China, Japan, Egypt, and participation in multilateral forums including BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“These efforts underscore Nigeria’s active and
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