President Bola Tinubu is preparing to finalize the appointment of ambassadors to Nigeria’s foreign missions worldwide following months of diplomatic inactivity and mounting concerns over the country’s absence of envoys abroad.

According to multiple presidency sources familiar with the development, the President has directed a “final cleanup” of the list of ambassadorial nominees before its official release.

One senior official, who requested anonymity, confirmed that the process was nearing completion.

“They are putting finishing touches to the list because, since it was first submitted to the Senate, a few nominees have died, retired, or become ineligible due to their remaining years in service,” the official said.

He explained that the Senate had already screened the nominees, adding that the review was necessary to ensure that only qualified individuals remained on the list.

“The list has long been returned to the President after the Senate’s screening,” the source added.

Another top government official noted that security and background checks had been concluded months ago but were being updated due to deaths, health issues, or resignations among nominees.

“The earlier list is outdated. Some have passed away, while others are no longer fit for service,” the source said. “This cleanup ensures only eligible and available candidates remain. Once verified, the process could be completed within a week.”

The move comes over two years after Tinubu’s September 2023 directive recalling all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions — which include 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates — as part of a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s diplomatic operations.

Since then, most missions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited authority to represent Nigeria in official negotiations.

A senior Foreign Service officer noted, “Many foreign governments do not accord the same recognition to chargés d’affaires as they do to ambassadors. At a time of growing international engagement, it’s crucial to have ambassadors in place.”

The renewed urgency to complete ambassadorial appointments coincides with recent diplomatic tension following remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened potential military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.

Trump, in a social media post, announced that he was designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and claimed to have instructed congressional Republicans to investigate the issue.

He later stated that he had ordered the U.S. Department of War to “prepare for possible action” against Nigeria, warning that Washington could halt aid and intervene militarily if the killings continued.

In response, a presidency source emphasized that the lack of ambassadors did not directly cause the diplomatic strain but admitted that their presence could have improved communication.

“Foreign partners generally prefer engaging at the ambassadorial level, especially during moments of crisis or sensitive negotiations,” the source said.

It was also gathered that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is expected to meet with President Tinubu today (Tuesday) at the State House to discuss pending diplomatic matters, possibly including the ambassadorial appointments.

“When the President is ready to make the announcement, it will be made public through an official statement,” another senior aide confirmed.

Earlier this year, reports indicated that the Federal Government had completed vetting and security clearances for the nominees, but the appointments were delayed due to funding challenges.

Government officials disclosed that over $1 billion would be required to settle outstanding allowances of foreign service officers, renovate embassies, replace aging vehicles, and cover operational costs.

President Tinubu previously acknowledged the complexity of balancing political and professional considerations in making the appointments.

“It’s not easy putting those names together,” Tinubu remarked during a meeting with members of The Buhari Organisation, led by former Nasarawa State Governor, Senator Tanko Al-Makura.

“I couldn’t appoint everyone at once. I still have some ambassadorial positions that many people are eager to occupy,” he added.