Ministry Hits Back at ADC Over Allegations on Ambassadorial Appointments

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted recent claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding Nigeria’s diplomatic posture and ambassadorial appointments.

In a statement made available to SummitPost News on Tuesday, in Abuja, by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy
to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry described ADC’s remarks as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.”

According to the statement, Nigeria remains fully represented in all its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires, who continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad. To suggest otherwise is both inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers.

The Ministry stressed recent high-level engagements by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, which demonstrate Nigeria’s robust external relations. These include strategic meetings with the U.S. State Department, Foreign Ministers of the UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as active participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.

The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function—not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement. President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment—not patronage or expediency. The Ministry reaffirms that such appointments will be made in due course and with the solemnity they deserve.

The ADC’s assertion that Nigerian missions have become “sorry symbols” is not only false but insulting to the hardworking men and women of Nigeria’s foreign service. While the Ministry acknowledges that there are long-standing structural and funding challenges—predating the current administration—it is categorically untrue that morale is at its “lowest.” Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction under often difficult circumstances.

The Ministry also dismisses the claim that Nigeria mishandled the reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees. Nigeria’s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights. The notion that the Foreign Minister’s public articulation of Nigeria’s position was a diplomatic faux pas ignores the realities of modern diplomacy, where transparency and responsible communication are increasingly vital.

The Ministry remains focused on constructive diplomacy, protecting Nigeria’s global interests, and restoring credibility to foreign service operations through thoughtful reforms and principled engagement. Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs. The Ministry urges political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy. Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity, not populism.