Tinubu Sets to Name New Ambassadors Amid Rising US Strain

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu is wrapping up plans to pick envoys for the country’s posts abroad, after long waits and calls to fill empty spots. This comes as rows with the United States heat up over claims of attacks on Christians.

Top aides say the president has asked for a last check on the names, to clear out those who have passed away, quit, or no longer qualify due to short time left on the job. The Senate already checked the group, and security vetting finished months back. Fresh names will get a quick once-over, with the full list ready in about a week.

Back in September 2023, Tinubu pulled all 109 ambassadors home for a full look at foreign ties. That left 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates run by stand-in bosses with less pull. Foreign leaders give more weight to full ambassadors, especially in tough talks, one expert in the field noted.

Money woes held things up in April this year, with over a billion dollars needed for old bills, new cars for missions, building fixes, and daily costs. But now, the push is on, and the foreign affairs minister, Yusuf Tuggar, meets the president soon to seal the deal.

The move hits at a bad time, after sharp words from former US leader Donald Trump. He called Nigeria a spot of big worry for faith rights, told his party in Congress to probe deaths of Christians, and warned of cutting all aid. Trump even said the US might send troops to stop what he called attacks by Islamic radicals.

One insider said the lack of envoys did not spark the US clash, but having them could smooth chats in crises. The president joked lately about the hard task of picking names, adding he could not fill every spot at once, with more openings eyed.

Once set, the choices will mix career pros and party backers, and the government will share the news soon.