Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar
By EZEKIEL OBI, Abuja-
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted a report by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that criticized Nigeria’s foreign representation and ambassadorial appointments, labeling it as misleading and politically driven.
In a statement released on Tuesday in Abuja by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ministry dismissed the ADC’s claims as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.”
The ADC had alleged that Nigeria’s diplomatic missions have deteriorated into “sorry symbols” under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In response, the ministry emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign missions are fully operational, staffed by seasoned diplomats and chargés d’affaires who diligently advance the nation’s interests.
“These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, while safeguarding the welfare of its citizens abroad. To suggest otherwise is inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers,” the statement read.
Highlighting Nigeria’s active global engagement, the ministry pointed to recent high-level meetings conducted by Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, with counterparts from the U.S., UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as participation in key international forums like BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS. These efforts, it argued, demonstrate Nigeria’s robust diplomatic presence.
Addressing the ADC’s critique of ambassadorial appointments, the ministry clarified that such decisions are a sovereign function, guided by President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. This agenda prioritizes merit, competence, and national interest over political expediency.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function and not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement,” the ministry stated, adding that appointments would be made thoughtfully in due course.
The ministry also rejected claims that Nigeria mishandled a reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees, asserting that the country’s response was “clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights.”
It urged political actors to refrain from using diplomacy for domestic political gain, warning that such actions undermine Nigeria’s global reputation. “Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks.
“Nigeria’s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring,” the statement cautioned.
Reaffirming its commitment to constructive diplomacy, the ministry emphasized ongoing reforms to strengthen Nigeria’s Foreign Service and restore its credibility through strategic and principled engagement.
It called for restraint and responsibility in public discourse on foreign policy, noting, “Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity, not populism.”
