In September 2023, President Bola Tinubu’s administration made a sweeping decision to recall all of Nigeria’s ambassadors stationed globally. The move, which affected the country’s 109 foreign missions—comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates—was intended to pave the way for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s diplomatic service. However, nearly two years later, the President has yet to name their replacements, triggering concern both within diplomatic circles and among Nigerians in the diaspora.
Ambassadors Recalled Without Replacements
Ambassadors serve as the official representatives of Nigeria in host countries. Their responsibilities go beyond diplomatic presence—they promote foreign policy, protect citizens’ interests, encourage trade and investment, and gather strategic information for Nigeria’s benefit. In 2023, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, confirmed the mass recall, emphasizing that the move was directed by President Tinubu himself.
A statement from his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, explained, “Ambassadors, as representatives of the country, serve at the behest of the President, and it is his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.” Despite this justification, the prolonged delay in appointing new envoys has raised questions about the Tinubu administration’s commitment to international diplomacy.
Foreign Missions in Crisis as Salaries Go Unpaid
Beyond the failure to appoint new diplomats, there are growing concerns over the deteriorating welfare conditions in Nigerian foreign missions. In July 2025, reports emerged that many diplomats were owed salaries for up to six months. This troubling development dates back to February 2025, when it was first reported that approximately 450 foreign service officers across the 109 missions had not received payments in five to six months.
These financial hardships have left affected officers struggling to meet basic obligations—such as paying rent, school fees, and other essential expenses. Many have reportedly fallen into distress, highlighting severe administrative lapses under the current government.
Minister Attributes Delay to Economic Constraints
Amid mounting criticism, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar admitted in May 2024 that financial and economic challenges were responsible for the delay in ambassadorial appointments. While acknowledging the importance of diplomacy, he pointed to budgetary constraints as the primary reason the administration had failed to move forward with the replacement process.
Despite this explanation, lawmakers and stakeholders remain unsatisfied. On November 16, 2024, the House of Representatives’ Committee on Foreign Affairs urged the federal government to prioritize adequate funding for foreign missions to ensure they fulfill their mandates as outlined in Nigeria’s existing laws.
Diaspora Frustration Grows Over Passport Challenges
The consequences of diplomatic neglect have not been confined to embassy staff. Nigerian citizens living abroad—particularly in the United States—have experienced increasing frustration over administrative failings. Earlier this year, the Organisation for the Advancement of Nigerians (OAN) raised an alarm over the absence of passport printing machines in consular offices in New York and Atlanta.
Due to this issue, many Nigerians have been left stranded without valid passports. This has severely disrupted their ability to travel for urgent family matters, work, or medical emergencies. The OAN criticized the federal government for its negligence, arguing that the failure to maintain basic consular services reflects broader inefficiencies and misplaced priorities.
Tinubu Administration Faces Backlash Over Foreign Policy Inaction
Nearly two years after recalling Nigeria’s ambassadors, the Tinubu administration has not only failed to appoint new envoys but also allowed critical consular and diplomatic functions to deteriorate. The lack of strategic diplomatic representation abroad, combined with unpaid salaries and inadequate passport services, has damaged Nigeria’s image and weakened support structures for citizens living outside the country.
As concerns mount, analysts warn that the administration’s inaction may have long-term consequences for Nigeria’s foreign policy goals, international partnerships, and the welfare of its global diaspora. The growing pressure from lawmakers, foreign service officers, and advocacy groups underscores an urgent need for the government to act decisively and restore functionality to Nigeria’s foreign missions.
