The Director-General of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Prof. Ayo Omotayo, has said that delays in the approval of Nigeria’s ambassadors by some host countries should not be interpreted as a failure of the country’s foreign policy, noting that such developments fall within normal diplomatic procedures.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television today, Prof. Omotayo explained that the posting of ambassadors is governed by established diplomatic practice, which requires receiving countries to grant agrément, the formal approval that enables envoys to assume duty in their host nations.
According to him, each country exercises sovereign discretion in granting such approval and may apply its own diplomatic policies in the process. Citing India as an example, he noted that some countries may operate internal policies that discourage accepting ambassadors from administrations with limited time remaining in office. Where such policies exist, he said, Nigeria must respect the domestic laws and diplomatic practices of those states.
Prof. Omotayo emphasised that the situation should therefore not be interpreted as a breakdown in Nigeria’s foreign relations, stressing that diplomatic engagements continue through established channels even where resident ambassadors have not yet assumed duty. He added that experienced career diplomats serving as Chargés d’Affaires continue to manage Nigeria’s missions abroad pending the completion of the accreditation process.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently approved the posting of 65 ambassadors, comprising 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees, to various countries and international missions following their confirmation by the Senate in December 2025.
The NIPSS Director-General noted that the appointments demonstrate the administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and advancing the country’s foreign policy objectives through renewed engagement with the international community.
