Former Nigerian External Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has stressed the urgent need for the Federal Government to appoint credible ambassadors into vacant diplomatic positions.
Akinyemi made the call on Friday, while speaking during an interview on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television.
He warned that prolonged delays in filling these positions could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements globally.
“I believe credible appointments should be made to the vacant ambassadorial posts. We need to fill them,” he said, adding that the absence of envoys was already creating noticeable gaps in bilateral and multilateral relations.
READ MORE:https://www.informationng.com/2025/09/rashidi-ladoja-crowned-44th-olubadan-of-ibadanland.html
The former minister, who once served as Nigeria’s chief diplomat, argued that despite the availability of internet-driven communication, direct representation remains the backbone of international relations.
“The absence of ambassadors does not deny us information. But diplomacy runs on ambassadorial contact, the interaction between governments and ambassadors,” Akinyemi explained.
He further stressed that diplomats play a critical role in negotiations, lobbying, and defending Nigeria’s interests abroad.
According to him, these responsibilities cannot be replaced by virtual interactions or foreign service staff operating without confirmed heads of mission.
“Ambassadors should return to their posts as soon as possible. The longer we delay, the more we risk losing ground in international diplomacy,” he cautioned.
Akinyemi urged the Federal Government to ensure that only men and women of proven integrity, competence, and patriotism are appointed, noting that ambassadors represent the face of Nigeria to the world.
