IN a world where diplomacy is a critical tool for national growth, the absence of Nigeria’s ambassadors at foreign missions represents a significant diplomatic blunder. The Nigerian government’s neglect in appointing ambassadors at a time when international engagement is paramount is not only concerning but also an outright disregard for the country’s international relations. President Bola Tinubu should change this.

The remiss was highlighted again on Wednesday when Tinubu hosted German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Tinubu withdrew Nigeria’s ambassador to Germany last year.

Unfortunately, Germany is not an isolated case. The President recalled all ambassadors on September 2, 2023, and has not reappointed them 16 months on. This leaves the country’s diplomatic efforts to flounder. Nigeria has 109 diplomatic missions worldwide, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates.

Tinubu hosted India’s Narendra Mordi to a state visit in November.


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The absence of ambassadors is a grave misstep. Ambassadors play an irreplaceable role in representing national interests, fostering bilateral ties, and driving diplomatic initiatives. They are not mere figureheads but vital cogs who follow up on the visions set out by the President.

The erstwhile president, Muhammadu Buhari, similarly recalled Nigerian ambassadors and delayed for many months before assigning them after Senate confirmation.

Without competent ambassadors in key capitals overseas, Nigeria cannot fully realise its international ambitions, such as securing a seat on the UN Security Council or advancing its aspirations within BRICS and the G20.

The failure to appoint ambassadors has left a vacuum in Nigeria’s international outreach. Moreover, it undermines the gains made through high-profile visits by the President. While Tinubu has travelled to Brazil, South Africa, India, the Netherlands, China, and France, his engagements lack the necessary follow-up that ambassadors provide.

Ambassadorial appointments are not just ceremonial; they ensure that Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic interests are advanced and protected. Embassies are critical in facilitating business, lobbying for foreign direct investment, protecting citizens abroad, and galvanising the Nigerian diaspora to contribute to national development.

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The delay in the appointment of ambassadors, which has been justified by budgetary constraints, is equally problematic. While the administration has found the resources to fund religious programmes like the Hajj, it seems unable to allocate sufficient funds to send ambassadors out.

In international diplomacy, the principle of reciprocity is key: countries with active diplomatic networks leverage invitations, investments, and international partnerships to deepen existing ties. Nigeria, however, finds itself in a one-sided situation, where it invites foreign dignitaries without ensuring the proper structure to reciprocate these engagements.

In many Western countries, the diplomatic process is more robust, and ambassadors are not just representatives; they are the backbone of international negotiations. Their role is to ensure continuity in diplomatic relations, even after the President has returned home.

Tinubu must take a more strategic approach to diplomatic affairs, focusing on the appointment of competent ambassadors.

He should apply the principle of division of labour. The President cannot be expected to personally manage every aspect of foreign policy; instead, he must trust and empower competent ambassadors to execute his vision and maintain the momentum of international relations.


With global migration on the rise, the role of Nigerian missions in offering consular services cannot be overstated.

Tinubu should recognise the importance of strategic international relations and invest in the resources necessary to support the country’s global aspirations. His current approach of diplomatic grandstanding without the requisite infrastructure to back it up will only serve to alienate Nigeria from meaningful international engagements.

If Nigeria is to truly fulfil its potential as a global power, it must prioritise the appointment of skilled diplomats who will champion the country’s interests on the world stage. The time for action is now.

https://punchng.com/global-power-relations-without-ambassadors/

Can Nigeria be redeemed?

immortalcrown:
Can Nigeria be redeemed?

No with the level of nepotism and gullible followership.



Seniorwriter

Useless editorial piece

He has secured some deals with Germany,Brazil and France in the last 4weeks and the projects started off almost immediately with the so-called ambassadors

Since when we don dey get dem ambassadors, how many deals dem do follow dem do?

Thought you guys were calling for reductions in numbers of appointees, so whats this useless editorial piece about

Punch don turn to wailing media

Even before this government, light in Nigeria has been improving. We have been seeing more improvement under this government even without the ambassadors that Punch want to be waiting about.

helinues:
Punch don turn to wailing media

Even before this government, light in Nigeria has been improving. We have been seeing more improvement under this government even without the ambassadors that Punch want to be waiting about.

Today, wasted too?

How can you do this shit when the world is a global community where diplomatic relations is a key to national growth and development? This is the problem with criminals who found themselves in an accidental government. They are bereft of ideas on how an ideal government is runned.

helinues:
Punch don turn to wailing media. Even before this government, light in Nigeria has been improving. We have been seeing more improvement under this government even without the ambassadors that Punch want to be waiting about.

Improvement in what respect or which side of this nation's national life? Your crass ignorance and support for anything anti -human because of Buhari and Tinubu is legendary.

Racoon:
Improvement in what respect or which side of this nation's national life? Your crass ignorance and support for anything anti -human because of Buhari and Tinubu is legendary.

The chief wailer himself.. Wail on bro