Lack of ambassadors affecting bilateral relations between Nigeria and host countries

Lack of ambassadors affecting bilateral relations between Nigeria and host countries – Minister

The Nigerian ambassadors nominated by president Muhammadu Buhari will be posted to various countries for their missions abroad in May

All the 47 ambassadors cleared by the Nigeria Senate has been assigned portfolios

The minister of foreign affairs said lack of ambassadors is currently affecting bilateral relations

Buhari's 47 non-career ambassadors to be posted in May

The Nigerian ambassadors nominated by president Muhammadu Buhari will be posted to various countries for their missions abroad in May.

Daily Trust reports that all the 47 ambassadors cleared by the Nigeria Senate has been assigned portfolios.

Although the eighth Assembly is yet to approve the nomination of the non-career diplomats, it was gathered that the federal government has secure an ‘agreemo’ (approval) from the host countries before posting the envoys.

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The minister of foreign affairs Geoffrey Onyeama said all missions will have their substantive heads by May.

Onyeama said the lack of substantive ambassadors at the various missions is affecting bilateral relation between Nigeria and host countries.

class="align-left">“Realistically, we would be looking at the next three months from now,” Onyeama said.

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“There will always be an impact if you don’t have an ambassador in a country, even from the point of view of perception because the host country will always feel slighted that you are not giving it the respect and that you are not engaging with it at the level that it should be especially if they have an ambassador in your country,” he said.

He said it is important and easier for an ambassador to have access to the highest level of government in host countries that it will be for a lower official.

Onyeama added eight missions had been identified for closure but the final decision has not been taken as discussions are still ongoing.