Concerns over vacant ambassadorial posts as Tuggar defends embassy operations

Femi Fabunmi 

Nigeria’s embassies around the world are still working effectively despite the absence of substantive ambassadors, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has said.

In an interview with TheCable, Tuggar dismissed fears that the country’s diplomatic missions were crippled by the lack of ambassadors. He explained that career officers, including chargés d’affaires, counsellors, and deputies, continue to handle daily operations.

“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum,” Tuggar said.

He noted that while ambassadors serve as heads of mission, diplomacy is never a one-man affair, as structures are in place to ensure continuity.

According to the minister, President Bola Tinubu will appoint ambassadors at the appropriate time, but for now, Nigeria’s foreign policy goals are not hindered.

“Our foreign policy direction is clear, and our presence is felt globally. What we are doing is ensuring that our missions deliver tangible results for Nigerians, not just ceremonial appearances,” he stressed.

Tuggar further explained that many countries also experience long periods without ambassadors in certain missions, yet their diplomatic engagements remain intact.

He maintained that Nigeria’s embassies continue to facilitate trade, investment, cultural exchange, and consular services for citizens abroad, insisting that “relations are not suspended because there is no ambassador.”