The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned the public to ignore a fake list of ambassadorial nominees circulating on social media.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry clarified that no such appointments have been made.
It emphasized that the power to appoint ambassadors lies solely with the President of Nigeria.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises the public to disregard the fake list of ambassadorial nominees currently circulating on social media,” the statement said.
“It is important to note that the appointment of ambassadors is the exclusive responsibility of the President, and no appointments have been made at this time. The circulated list should therefore be ignored.”
Nigeria maintains a network of 109 diplomatic missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates worldwide.
On September 2, 2023, President Bola Tinubu ordered the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors—both career and non-career—operating in the country’s global missions, embassies, and consulates.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recall, which was communicated through a statement from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023.
These ambassadors included 41 non-career and 42 career ambassadors initially appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.
However, despite the recall, over a year later, the appointments of new ambassadors have yet to be made and the diplomats have not been redeployed to their respective missions.
