The Federal Government’s (FG) screening process for ambassadorial nominees has been shrouded in mystery. However, our exclusive investigation has uncovered the intricacies of the process.
The FG has been vetting ambassadorial candidates to fill diplomatic roles in its 109 missions. These roles include positions in 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 global consulates.
Some notable nominees are, Femi Fani-Kayode, a Former Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration. Femi Pedro, Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State. And Fola Adeola, Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc.
The vetting process is being conducted by the Department of State Services (DSS) and involves security checks and background verification. Nominees are required to provide personal education and work history, which will be verified by the DSS. The process is ongoing, with officials expecting to release the list of cleared nominees by the end of April.
The appointment process has been delayed due to issues with funding. Approximately $1 billion is needed. This amount is required to pay arrears of foreign service officials, settle overheads, replace ageing vehicles, and renovate embassy buildings. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, attributed the delay to financial constraints, stating that appointing ambassadors without sufficient funding would be pointless.
There were reports of a fake list of ambassadorial nominees circulating on social media, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied. The ministry confirmed that no new ambassadorial appointments have been made and advised the public to disregard the fake list.
The Federal Government has been working to revamp its foreign service, with President Bola Tinubu concluding a sector-wide reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy in September 2023. The reassessment led to the recall of over 83 career and non-career ambassadors from their stations.
The appointment of new ambassadors is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic development. The nominees will play a crucial role in promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad and attracting foreign investment to the country.
Benefits
The appointment of new ambassadors will have several benefits for Nigeria, including:
– Improved Foreign Relations: The new ambassadors will help to strengthen Nigeria’s relationships with other countries and international organizations.
– Increased Foreign Investment: The ambassadors will play a key role in attracting foreign investment to Nigeria, which will help to boost the country’s economy.
– Enhanced Economic Development: The ambassadors will help to promote Nigeria’s economic development by identifying new business opportunities and facilitating trade between Nigeria and other countries.
The appointment of new ambassadors also poses several challenges, including:
– Funding Constraints: The Federal Government faces funding constraints, which may impact the effectiveness of the new ambassadors.
– Security Concerns: The ambassadors may face security concerns in their host countries, which could impact their ability to perform their duties effectively.
– Diplomatic Relations: The appointment of new ambassadors may also impact Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with other countries, particularly if the nominees are not well-received by the host countries.
In conclusion, the FG’s ambassadorial screening process is a complex and nuanced process that requires careful consideration of several factors. The appointment of new ambassadors is expected to have a positive impact on Nigeria’s foreign relations and economic development. However, the process also poses several challenges, including funding constraints, security concerns, and diplomatic relations.