The Federal Government has commenced the vetting of candidates for ambassadorial positions across its 109 missions—comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
Among the nominees are former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-Lagos Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, sources confirmed. The screening process is decentralised, with candidates directed to report to the nearest DSS offices for background checks.
Presidency sources disclosed that shortlisted individuals have been asked to submit personal, educational, and employment histories for verification. “They’re already undergoing DSS security checks. Once cleared, their names will be made public. We expect a final list before the end of April,” one official stated.
Another source confirmed the process varies by location: “Nominees are vetted where they reside. It’s not centrally done.”
Delay and Tinubu’s 4Ds
Since recalling 83 ambassadors in September 2023, President Bola Tinubu has operated Nigeria’s foreign policy, guided by his 4Ds—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—without formal envoys. Although a list was initially prepared during the President’s December break, he reportedly halted submission due to financial constraints.
Insiders revealed that the government faces an estimated $1 billion shortfall to address embassy overheads, pay arrears, and renovate decrepit foreign missions. “It’s not about ambassadorial salaries; it’s capital expenditure. Many embassies are in terrible shape—no power, water, functional offices, or even serviceable vehicles,” an official said.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, also blamed the delays on funding: “There’s no point appointing ambassadors if there’s no money for their travel or to run the missions effectively. Mr President is working on it,” Tuggar said during a May 2023 briefing.
Although the 2025 budget includes provisions for foreign missions, officials say the allocations remain insufficient.
Notable Nominees
While the full list remains classified, sources confirm that some high-profile individuals are under review. “FFK is on the list, alongside other notable figures like Fola Adeola and Femi Pedro. The screening is more rigorous this time,” a senior official said.
Security checks are intended to prevent future complications that may tarnish Nigeria’s image abroad. One official noted, “The background checks help ensure nominees won’t have security issues that could harm the country’s reputation.”
Although some sources speculated that Reno Omokri, a former aide to President Goodluck Jonathan, was among the nominees, a reliable Presidency insider dismissed the claim, saying, “Reno is not on the list, but FFK is.”
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasised that the process must be meticulous: “There are two categories of ambassadors—career and political. Both lists must undergo proper scrutiny before being sent to the National Assembly.”
When reached, two of the nominees declined to comment or confirm their involvement in the process
