…traveling is very good for our country and its economic development,” Kalu stated. “But he cannot just be president of Abuja.
Abuja, Nigeria – The iNews Times | Senator Orji Uzor Kalu has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately fill the country’s vacant ambassadorial positions, lamenting that Nigeria has operated without envoys for nearly two years.
Kalu, who represents Abia North in the Senate, said the absence of ambassadors undermines Nigeria’s foreign policy goals and hinders the nation’s ability to maximize gains from Tinubu’s international engagements.
Speaking in a video message on his Facebook page, Kalu applauded the president’s frequent international trips, describing them as vital for Nigeria’s economic revival and Africa’s development. However, he stressed that such efforts would remain incomplete without envoys to build on the president’s groundwork.
“Tinubu’s traveling is very good for our country and its economic development,” Kalu stated. “But he cannot just be president of Abuja. He should deploy more diplomacy. The president has done well on his international engagements, but it’s also time to appoint ambassadors so that Nigeria can fully benefit.”
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has recalled all ambassadors but has yet to announce their replacements. Months ago, a list of alleged nominees surfaced online, sparking excitement in diplomatic circles. The Presidency, however, dismissed the document as fake, dashing hopes of an imminent announcement.
The prolonged delay has drawn criticism from analysts who note that Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions across the world are currently run by chargé d’affaires, diplomats who lack the authority and political clout of full ambassadors. This, they argue, severely limits Nigeria’s influence and responsiveness in bilateral and multilateral platforms.
Ambassadors, experts stress, are not mere ceremonial figures but strategic actors in international politics. They negotiate trade deals, foster investment opportunities, protect citizens abroad, and project national interests on the global stage. Without them, the burden falls disproportionately on the presidency, leaving foreign policy initiatives uncoordinated.
Tinubu’s government has made international diplomacy a central part of its agenda. In the last two years, the president has traveled to the United States, China, France, the United Arab Emirates, and several African nations, wooing investors and strengthening bilateral relations. But critics argue that without ambassadors to maintain momentum, much of this work risks fizzling out.
Kalu’s call reflects growing frustration among lawmakers and stakeholders who insist that Nigeria cannot afford to operate in diplomatic limbo. His intervention also underscores concerns that critical governance appointments remain unfilled in several sectors, fueling perceptions of inertia in Tinubu’s administration.
For Kalu, the solution is straightforward: “Appoint ambassadors now, so that Nigeria can reap the full benefits of President Tinubu’s international diplomacy and economic engagements.”
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, many observers warn that Nigeria cannot afford to be absent at key diplomatic tables. Whether President Tinubu will heed the calls and unveil his ambassadorial list remains to be seen.
