By : Chinasaokwu Helen
Nigeria :Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees List Not a Good Representation of the Country – Keshi
Nigeria’s former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has expressed deep concerns over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recently released list of ambassadorial nominees, describing it as “not a good representation of the country” and warning that the selection falls short of the diplomatic standards Nigeria urgently needs.
Keshi, a respected career diplomat who once served as Nigeria’s Consul-General in Atlanta and Ambassador to Togo, said the President’s constitutional right to appoint ambassadors is not in question. However, he stressed that the new list undermines expectations that, after nearly two years without substantive ambassadors in several key countries, Nigeria would seize the opportunity to make a strong diplomatic statement.
“I do not challenge the President’s right to appoint whomever he desires to our diplomatic missions,” Keshi noted. “However, we had hoped that after waiting for two years—and considering the crisis this country is facing—we would put our best foot forward. We should select individuals with credibility.”
According to him, the crisis he referenced includes Nigeria’s current economic hardship, strained foreign relations, declining global influence, and the need for strong representation as the country navigates shifting geopolitical dynamics. He insisted that diplomatic appointments are not symbolic gestures but strategic postings that can either enhance or weaken Nigeria’s voice on the global stage.
Keshi lamented that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has once again been “completely marginalized,” noting that career diplomats, who possess decades of technical expertise, were largely sidelined in favour of politically connected individuals. He warned that this trend, which has intensified in recent administrations, risks hollowing out Nigeria’s diplomatic corps.
“For years, officers in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been overlooked despite their training, experience, and loyalty,” he said. “It is a significant concern, because diplomacy is not guesswork. It requires knowledge, discipline, and the ability to interpret global shifts in real time.”
While acknowledging that a few of the nominees are competent and reputable, Keshi maintained that the “majority of the individuals included should not be there,” describing the list as a missed opportunity to rebuild confidence in Nigeria’s foreign policy operations.
Analysts say Nigeria has struggled with inconsistent foreign policy direction in recent years, with many missions abroad operating with limited leadership or none at all. The delay in constituting a new team of ambassadors had raised expectations that Tinubu would prioritize reform, professionalism, and geopolitical strategy over political patronage.
Instead, Keshi believes the new list may weaken morale within the ministry and compromise Nigeria’s ability to project a strong image abroad. “When you send the wrong people as ambassadors, you are essentially sending the wrong message,” he warned. “Foreign nations take note of who represents you. If your representatives lack depth or credibility, they will not command respect.”
His comments have sparked conversations among policy experts, lawmakers, and the diplomatic community, many of whom share concerns about the increasing politicization of diplomatic appointments.
Civil society groups have also weighed in, calling on the Senate to conduct a “rigorous, merit-based screening” to ensure that only capable individuals are ultimately cleared for posting.
Keshi urged the administration to reconsider its approach and recognise that Nigeria cannot afford mediocre representation at a time when global partnerships, foreign investments, and regional diplomacy remain crucial to stabilizing the economy and strengthening national security.
“As a nation, we must understand that effective diplomacy begins with the people we send out to speak for us,” he said. “Nigeria deserves the very best—now more than ever.”
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