In an effort to fill vacant positions across its 76 embassies and 22 high commissions, the Federal Government has begun screening nominees for ambassadorial roles.
As part of the process, nominees have been directed to visit the nearest DSS offices for security vetting. Some individuals have reportedly been contacted to submit personal, educational, and employment history details.
A source disclosed that former governors from the South-East, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, were among those screened for possible appointments.
The same source revealed that Shehu Sani, who recently joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, were also included among those who have undergone screening.
Additionally, the source confirmed that Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, and Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation, have completed their screening and have been cleared for upcoming national assignments.
It is worth recalling that in September 2023, President Bola Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career.
Nearly two years after the recall, the presidency announced in March 2025 that new appointments would be made “very soon.”
Vanguard had earlier reported that background checks on the nominees were underway, with information from the screenings being shared with key government agencies, including those within the presidency and the National Assembly.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, attributed the delay in appointments to a shortage of funds. Meanwhile, foreign diplomats and stakeholders have raised concerns over the lack of diplomatic leadership at Nigeria’s missions abroad.
However, with the current screening process in progress, the Federal Government is expected to soon unveil the list of newly appointed diplomats along with their respective postings.
