Bimpe adeoye
Effizzie Magazine
Government News Correspondent
The Federal Government has begun screening candidates for ambassadorial positions across its 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates, Effizzie sources reports.
Sources close to the process disclosed that prominent figures such as former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro are among those being considered.
The vetting, which is being handled by the Department of State Services (DSS), is decentralized, with nominees reporting to their nearest DSS offices. Presidency officials confirmed that candidates have been contacted to submit details of their educational backgrounds and work histories.
“They’re undergoing security checks. Once they’re cleared, their names will be announced. The process is ongoing, and we expect a list to be released before the end of April,” said an official, speaking anonymously.
Another source added, “Nominees are being vetted locally. They’ve been asked to provide personal and professional information relevant to their nominations.”
Delays and Financial Constraints
Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office, his administration has promoted a foreign policy strategy built around the “4Ds”: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. However, this approach has lacked ambassadorial representation since September 2023, when over 83 career and non-career envoys were recalled.
Despite initial plans to submit a new list to the National Assembly in December, the process faced setbacks—primarily due to financial constraints. Sources revealed that the government needs nearly $1 billion to address various challenges, including unpaid allowances, deteriorating embassy infrastructure, and outdated service vehicles.
“Nearly 90 percent of our missions are in poor condition. Many lack functioning offices or proper residences. Some don’t even have water or power,” one official noted. “Even if ambassadors are posted now, the conditions they’d face would be difficult.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar also confirmed the financial hurdles, stating last May that appointing ambassadors without adequate funding was impractical.
“You can’t deploy ambassadors if they don’t have resources to travel or run their missions effectively. The President is aware and working on it,” Tuggar said.
High-Profile and Controversial Nominees
Though the final list remains classified, sources say that several notable names are under consideration. These include Femi Fani-Kayode, Femi Pedro, and Fola Adeola, founder of Guaranty Trust Bank. While there were speculations about former presidential aide Reno Omokri being nominated, a reliable Presidency source refuted the claim.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasized that due diligence is essential before sending any list to the National Assembly.
“Ambassadorial nominees fall into two categories—career and political—and both lists must undergo thorough review before being released,” he said.
