Ambassadorial Appointment Stalls as FG Clears 65 Envoys

The Federal Government has announced that 65 of the 69 ambassadorial nominees appointed by President Bola Tinubu have been accepted by their respective host countries, while diplomatic clearance is still being awaited for two key postings.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed on Saturday that the approvals represent a 97 per cent acceptance rate, describing the diplomatic process as progressing successfully.

In a statement, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that the four outstanding appointments do not all stem from pending approvals.

According to him, Grace Bent, who was nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Togo, declined the appointment, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, the ambassador-designate to Algeria, died in April after a prolonged illness. He added that the process of appointing a replacement for Lele is ongoing.

The ministry, however, said diplomatic approval is yet to be received for Nigeria’s ambassador-designates to Japan and Mexico.

Although the ministry did not identify the nominees, reports indicate that Reno Omokri, a former presidential spokesperson, was nominated for Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa was nominated for Japan.

Ebienfa said Nigeria has received assurances from both countries that the required diplomatic consent would be granted.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and the international stakeholders that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding agreements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement said.

The ministry added that most of the newly appointed ambassadors have already arrived in their host countries and presented their letters of credence, formally commencing their duties as Nigeria’s principal diplomatic representatives abroad.