By Erewunmi Peace

Nigeria’s former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has faulted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for failing to appoint ambassadors more than two years into his administration, saying the president owes Nigerians an explanation.

Akinyemi, who served under the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida, expressed concern that the absence of appointed ambassadors is hurting Nigeria’s global presence and weakening the country’s foreign policy engagements.

“The president owes Nigerians an explanation,” Akinyemi declared in a media interview. “It cannot be about finances. Ambassadors are critical for international diplomacy, and their absence affects how Nigeria is perceived abroad.”

Concerns Over Nigeria’s Foreign Policy

The former minister stressed that leaving key diplomatic positions vacant at a time when Nigeria is expected to play a leadership role in Africa and on the global stage undermines the nation’s influence. He also recommended that President Tinubu appoint a Foreign Policy Adviser to ensure that international agreements and strategic engagements are properly implemented.

Observers note that while ambassadors represent the face of a country abroad, Nigeria currently lacks substantive envoys in several key nations. Critics say this creates a vacuum in advancing the country’s diplomatic and economic interests.

As calls grow louder for decisive action, Nigerians await the president’s explanation on the delay and his plans to strengthen the nation’s foreign policy machinery.