The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cautioned the public to avoid a phony list of ambassadorial nominations that has been circulating on social media platforms.
In a press release published on Sunday and signed by its spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry stated that no such appointments had been made and emphasized that the appointment of ambassadors is purely the President’s responsibility.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to advise the general public to avoid the phony list of ambassadorial nominations that is presently circulating on several social media sites.
“The ministry wishes to declare unambiguously that the appointment of ambassadors is the President’s prerogative, and no such appointments have been made in this respect.
“The purported list should, therefore, be discountenanced,” the statement read.
Nigeria has 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally.
On September 2, 2023, President Bola Tinubu recalled all career and non-career ambassadors operating the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates globally.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry confirmed the recall in a statement, saying: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has clarified that all career and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Tinubu.”
The envoys were instructed to return to the nation on or before October 31. They are 41 non-career and 42 career ambassadors nominated by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.
However, more than a year later, ambassadors are yet to be selected and posted to other nations.
