The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, has disclosed that the two-year delay in announcing new ambassadorial appointments is caused by funding constraints crippling Nigerian foreign missions.
Bwala, who spoke on a television programme, explained that while the President is aware of mounting pressure from Nigerians over the prolonged vacuum in the nation’s embassies, financial realities remain a major obstacle.
“Mr President has acknowledged the delay in the ambassadorial list, primarily due to funding constraints affecting our foreign embassies, an issue I am diligently addressing,” Bwala said in a post on his official X account.
He hinted that Tinubu might consider prioritising appointments to key strategic postings in G-20 countries because of their economic relevance.
“Despite the surrounding clamour, the President can strategically prioritise appointments to G20 nations, recognising their critical economic partnerships with us,” he stated.
In September 2023, the Federal Government ordered the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors across the globe on the directive of Tinubu. Two years later, replacements are yet to be announced, leaving Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions—comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates—without substantive heads.
Although Bwala assured that charge d’affaires and other representatives are currently managing affairs in the embassies, he admitted that the absence of substantive ambassadors undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic weight.
“We understand the importance of having ambassadors, especially because it will boost the credence and respect the country enjoys,” he said.
Beyond the appointments, the welfare of Nigerian diplomats abroad has worsened. Reports earlier this year revealed that at least 450 foreign service officers across missions were owed between five and six months’ salaries, leaving many unable to pay rent, children’s school fees, or meet basic obligations.
In July, it emerged that diplomats were again being owed salaries for six months.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, had previously admitted that financial and economic challenges were delaying the process.
The House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs in November 2024 urged the Federal Government to urgently fund foreign missions to enable them to discharge their constitutional roles effectively.
Nigerians in the diaspora have also raised concerns over poor services in missions. The Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) earlier in 2025 lamented the absence of passport printers in New York and Atlanta, which left citizens stranded and unable to renew documents for travel, emergencies, or work commitments.
Observers argue that the lack of ambassadors and inadequate funding paint a bleak picture of Nigeria’s foreign policy under the Tinubu administration.
However, Bwala urged patience, insisting that the President remains committed to addressing the crisis.
“This President is a listening President,” Bwala said. “Whenever you make a good case for something, he will either implement it immediately or explain why it is delayed. He has promised to look into this.”
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