The Federal Government has officially commenced the screening of individuals nominated for ambassadorial positions, aimed at filling vacant posts in Nigeria’s 76 embassies and 22 high commissions worldwide.
As part of the process, nominees have been instructed to report to the nearest Department of State Services (DSS) offices for security clearance. Some have already been contacted to submit details of their educational background and work experience.
Sources close to the development revealed to Vanguard that former South-East governors, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, have undergone screening for potential diplomatic appointments.
Also among the screened nominees are former senator and APC member, Shehu Sani, and ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri. Additionally, former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, are said to have completed the process and received clearance for their upcoming national assignments.
It will be recalled that President Bola Tinubu, in September 2023, ordered the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career. Since then, many foreign missions have been left without official diplomatic representation.
In March 2025, the Presidency hinted that the long-anticipated replacements would be announced “very soon.” Meanwhile, Vanguard reports that background checks are ongoing, with findings shared with key offices within the Presidency and the National Assembly.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar previously attributed the delay in ambassadorial appointments to budgetary constraints. Concerns had been raised by foreign partners and international stakeholders regarding the prolonged leadership gap at Nigeria’s missions abroad.
With the current screening underway, it is expected that the Federal Government will soon unveil the list of appointed diplomats along with their respective postings.
