The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed recent criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) about delays in ambassadorial appointments, describing the remarks as “alarmist,” “politically motivated,” and “misinformed.”
In a statement, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Ministry said Nigeria’s diplomatic missions remain fully operational and effectively represented by seasoned foreign service officers, including experienced 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 the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The Ministry considers the ADC’s remarks to be alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy,” the statement read.
Weighing in on the subject of ambassadorial appointments, the Ministry stressed that such decisions are a sovereign prerogative, not a political expedient.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function—not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement. President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment—not patronage or expediency,” it stated.
“Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs,” the statement concluded, urging political actors to exercise restraint and responsibility in matters relating to foreign policy.
The statement highlighted recent diplomatic activities led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as evidence of Nigeria’s active global presence.
“Recent high-level engagements by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs demonstrate Nigeria’s robust external relations,” it noted, referencing strategic meetings with officials from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, Egypt, as well as participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
Responding to the ADC’s claim that Nigeria’s missions have become “sorry symbols,” the Ministry called the accusation not only “false” but “insulting” to the dedication of Nigerian diplomats.
While it acknowledged long-standing structural and funding challenges that predate the current administration, the Ministry said that Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction, often under difficult circumstances.
The Ministry also rejected criticism regarding Nigeria’s response to the reported U.S. proposal to deport Venezuelan prisoners to African countries.
Minister Tuggar had earlier stated on Channels Television’s Politics Today that Nigeria would not accept Venezuelan deportees. However, the ADC had labelled this statement as diplomatically reckless.
In its defence, the Ministry said, “Nigeria’s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights. The notion that the Foreign Minister’s public articulation of Nigeria’s position was a diplomatic faux pas ignores the realities of modern diplomacy, where transparency and responsible communication are increasingly vital.”
“The ADC’s comments reflect political opportunism and a lack of understanding of foreign policy processes. Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks. Nigeria’s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring,” the Ministry stated.
Meanwhile, the ADC had, on Sunday, condemned the Tinubu administration’s failure to appoint ambassadors nearly two years after recalling all Nigerian envoys in September 2023.
According to Bolaji Abdullahi, the party’s interim national publicity secretary, the delay has created a diplomatic vacuum and weakened Nigeria’s international relationships. The ADC also criticised Minister Tuggar’s remarks on the Venezuelan deportees, arguing they should have been handled with greater discretion.
In a separate statement last week, the ADC accused the Tinubu administration of attempting to appease Northern Nigerians with “consolation prizes” through recent appointments, arguing that true unity could only be achieved through fairness, broad-based consultation, and adherence to federal character principles.
