FG replies ADC over diplomatic representation
From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Federal Government, has replied the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its recent statement on the nation’s diplomatic representation.
The ADC, had in a statement through its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the refusal by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint ambassadors has disastrous consequences in terms of diplomatic representation.
The ADC also accused the president of not showing the urgency to appoint ambassadors to represent the country abroad even after spending two years in office.
But the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly refutes the recent statement by the ADC regarding Nigeria’s foreign representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tuggar also said the Ministry considered the ADC’s remarks to be alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.
“Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires. These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad. To suggest otherwise is both inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers.
“Recent high-level engagements by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, demonstrate Nigeria’s robust external relations. These include strategic meetings with the U.S. State Department, Foreign Ministers of the UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as active participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function—not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement. President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment—not patronage or expediency. The Ministry reaffirms that such appointments will be made in due course and with the solemnity they deserve,” the statement read.
Tuggar further said the ADC’s assertion that Nigerian missions have become “sorry symbols” was not only false, but insulting to the hardworking men and women of Nigeria’s foreign service.
“While the Ministry acknowledges that there are long-standing structural and funding challenges—predating the current administration—it is categorically untrue that morale is at its “lowest.” Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction under often difficult circumstances.
“The Ministry also dismisses the claim that Nigeria mishandled the reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees. Nigeria’s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights. The notion that the Foreign Minister’s public articulation of Nigeria’s position was a diplomatic faux pas ignores the realities of modern diplomacy, where transparency and responsible communication are increasingly vital.
“The ADC’s comments reflect political opportunism and a lack of understanding of foreign policy processes. Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks. Nigeria’s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring.
“The Ministry remains focused on constructive diplomacy, protecting Nigeria’s global interests, and restoring credibility to foreign service operations through thoughtful reforms and principled engagement.
“Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs. The Ministry urges political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy. Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity not populism,” the statement further read.
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