Amid rising public speculation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a firm statement discrediting a widely circulated list of ambassadorial appointments trending on social media. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the list as false and misleading, advising Nigerians to await an official release.
In a public advisory, Acting Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa stated: “Kindly disregard the frenzy about the ambassadorial list. Be rest assured that, when it is ready, Mr. President will transmit the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.”
Though background and security checks for ambassadorial nominees have been finalized as of April 2025, the final list has not yet been submitted to the National Assembly. The delay, sources say, is linked to President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing working visit to Paris, where he is conducting a mid-term performance review and refining his foreign policy strategies.
Factors contributing to the delay include, Strategic Political Balancing, Diplomatic Reforms in Key Regions and Ongoing Administrative Evaluations.
The upcoming ambassadorial appointments follow the mass recall of all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023, a move aimed at overhauling the country’s foreign missions. Nigeria currently maintains 109 foreign offices worldwide, which are pivotal in Supporting Nigerian citizens abroad, Attracting foreign investment and Strengthening diplomatic ties.
This explains the heightened national interest in who will represent Nigeria internationally moving forward.
Officials warn that the fake list circulating online does not reflect the government’s final decisions and may include unverified or politically inaccurate names. Citizens are urged to rely on official government platforms for authentic updates.
While no specific date has been announced, the following timeline is anticipated:
- Presidential Approval: Mid–Late April 2025
- Submission to Senate: Late April–Early May
- Senate Screening & Confirmation: May 2025
- Deployment: June–July 2025
Once confirmed, ambassadors will undergo briefing at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming their posts abroad.
