The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that 65 of the 69 Nigerian ambassadors appointed by President Bola Tinubu have been accepted by their host countries.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the figure represents a 97 per cent acceptance rate, describing the diplomatic process as smooth and successful.
Ebienfa explained that four appointments remain unresolved for different reasons.
According to him, Grace Bent, who was nominated as ambassador-designate to Togo, declined the offer, while Mohammed Mahmud Lele, ambassador-designate to Algeria, died in April.
Lele reportedly died on April 19 in Ankara, Turkey, after a protracted illness. The ministry said the process of replacing him is ongoing.
Although the ministry did not officially name the other two countries where consent is still being awaited, reports indicate that the pending postings are Japan and Mexico.
Former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, was posted to Mexico, while Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa was posted to Japan.
Ebienfa said the ministry had received assurances from the two countries that their consent would be granted in due course.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to assure Nigerians and international stakeholders that it is actively engaging the relevant authorities in the two countries and is confident that the outstanding agreements will be conveyed in due course,” the statement read.
The ministry added that most of the ambassadors had already arrived in their host countries and presented their letters of credence, thereby commencing their representational duties as Nigeria’s principal envoys.
The statement comes amid public interest in the status of Nigeria’s ambassadorial postings and the pace of diplomatic acceptance by host countries.
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