Experts Warn: Nigeria’s Global Influence Slipping as Foreign Missions Go Leaderless
story: written by Zara November 7,2025
As Nigeria battles economic pressure and growing international criticism, foreign-policy analysts say the country urgently needs a new generation of diplomats—smart, respected, and capable of defending Nigeria’s image while rebuilding partnerships across the globe.
More than two years after President Bola Tinubu recalled all ambassadors in 2023, most of Nigeria’s 109 embassies and high commissions still have no substantive heads. The long delay has intensified agitation for credible, transparent, and merit-based appointments.
Although reports indicate that the president may announce a new list of ambassadors soon, experts warn that the prolonged vacuum is costing Nigeria valuable diplomatic influence. With most missions currently led by chargés d’affaires and senior officers who lack full ambassadorial authority, several negotiations have stalled, protocol mistakes have occurred, and Nigeria’s participation at high-level diplomatic events has weakened.
A recent example was at the inauguration of Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, where Nigeria’s delegation was reportedly poorly ranked in protocol arrangements—an embarrassment linked to the absence of a fully accredited envoy.
Former Nigerian ambassador to Singapore, Ogbole Ode, said the delay is hurting Nigeria’s global standing.
“In diplomacy, rank is everything. Certain discussions cannot take place unless an ambassador is present. Nigeria is losing strategic ground,” he cautioned.
He added that career diplomats are frustrated because the freeze has slowed promotions and deployments that are vital to their careers.
“It is time for Nigeria to send bright minds—people with global awareness and strategic capacity. The world will not wait for us,” he said.
Foreign policy specialists and members of the diplomatic corps are urging President Tinubu to select experienced professionals who understand negotiation, geopolitics, and public diplomacy.
Innocent Asogwa, a member of Nigeria’s diplomatic community, said the country needs diplomats who can restore trust and attract development partnerships.
“We need envoys who can clearly project Nigeria’s strengths and secure support for our priorities,” he said.
He stressed that despite current challenges, the country still has enormous potential that skilled diplomacy can unlock.
“Platforms like Binational Commissions can rebuild cooperation, increase investment, and open new doors internationally,” he explained.
Another analyst, Joshua Adeniyi, insisted that competence—not political loyalty—must determine appointments.
“What Nigeria needs are respected diplomats with global networks and negotiation power—not just party loyalists,” he said.
Although concerns continue to rise, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs insists missions are still operational. Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa stated that the president has no deadline to announce ambassadors.
“The appointment of envoys is strictly the president’s responsibility. Our missions are functioning,” he said.
However, Ebienfa admitted that having substantive ambassadors would strengthen Nigeria’s influence.
“Ambassadors carry direct presidential authority. Their presence speeds up negotiations and boosts diplomatic leverage,” he noted.
Public affairs analyst John Enemari warned that Nigeria is falling behind while other nations aggressively pursue deals.
“Foreign diplomats in Abuja are securing agreements, while our missions abroad are operating like stop-gap offices,” he said.
Professor Audu Gambo, pioneer vice chancellor of Karl Kumm University, described the situation as a “diplomatic blackout.”
“Ambassadors are a nation’s eyes and ears. Without them, Nigeria is navigating global affairs blindly,” he said.
He noted that the gap has reduced Nigeria’s visibility at the UN, ECOWAS, and other multilateral platforms, weakened regional security cooperation, and damaged economic diplomacy.
Despite this, Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar insists that Nigeria’s diplomacy remains active and productive. Speaking at the 2025 Ministerial Briefing in Abuja, he highlighted major achievements such as the retrieval of Benin Bronzes, humanitarian support to Palestine, and the evacuation of Nigerians from the Russia–Ukraine conflict.
He also listed billions of dollars in economic deals:
- $2.5bn agricultural investment from Brazil
- $4bn Chinese infrastructure funding
- $600m French support for the creative industry
- $2bn in German renewable energy projects
- $14bn in commitments from India
- New cooperation frameworks with Canada, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
“We have moved from reactive diplomacy to strategic leadership. Foreign policy is now advancing Nigeria’s interests,” Tuggar said.
Still, foreign-policy experts argue that real progress will only be sustained if embassies are properly staffed. Competent ambassadors, they insist, are essential to defend Nigeria’s interests, deepen alliances, and ensure consistent global presence.
