Moghalu warns Nigeria risks diplomatic setbacks over late Ambassadorial appointments

Abuja — Former Central Bank Deputy Governor and political commentator, Kingsley Moghalu OON, has raised concerns over the timing and quality of Nigeria’s recent ambassadorial appointments, warning that the country could face both diplomatic and reputational setbacks.

Moghalu shared his observations on his X platform on Sunday, noting that several countries’ authorities have reportedly expressed unease about receiving new Nigerian ambassadors nearly a year before the end of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s current tenure.

He criticized the practice, saying that announcing ambassadorial appointments so close to the end of an administration undermines standard diplomatic protocol. “Receiving countries must issue a formal ‘agrément’—a decision accepting credentials from the nominated ambassador—which can take several weeks or months,” Moghalu explained. “To bypass this process or delay appointments reflects poorly on Nigeria and risks eroding its image internationally.”

Moghalu further argued that the recall of ambassadors in 2023, early in Tinubu’s administration, created a “dangerous lacuna” in strategic diplomatic posts, including key capitals like Washington, DC. He suggested that allowing previous ambassadors to remain would have mitigated diplomatic gaps and prevented the country from losing influence and credibility.

The former presidential candidate also criticized the politicization of ambassadorial appointments, stating that political considerations have overridden merit, resulting in nominees whose qualifications range “from the pedestrian to the ridiculous.” He warned that such practices weaken governance and international standing, leaving Nigeria at a disadvantage both substantively and reputationally.

Moghalu concluded that the recent ambassadorial appointments serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of statecraft and timely decision-making in Nigeria’s foreign policy. “We all are the losers when political patronage eclipses merit in governance,” he said.

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