The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has discredited a list of ambassadorial nominees circulating on social media, asserting that no such appointments have been made.
In a statement issued on Sunday by the ministry’s spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, it was emphasised that the appointment of ambassadors remains the exclusive prerogative of President Bola Tinubu.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public to kindly disregard the fake list of ambassadorial nominees which is currently in circulation on some social media platforms.
“The ministry wishes to state unequivocally that the appointment of ambassadors is the prerogative of Mr President, and no such appointments have been made in that regard,” the statement said.
President Tinubu recalled all career and non-career ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions, including embassies, high commissions and consulates, on September 2, 2023.
The recall, which affected 83 ambassadors appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, was aimed at restructuring the country’s diplomatic services.
Ambassadors were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023.
Despite this, over a year after the recall, new ambassadorial appointments and deployments have yet to be made.
Nigeria currently operates 109 missions worldwide, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
The ministry reassured the public that any official appointments would be announced through the appropriate channels.
