The Nigerian government has begun a screening process for nominating candidates representing the country’s various diplomatic missions.
The move aims to fill numerous vacancies in Nigeria’s 76 embassies and 22 senior commissions.
Nominees have been directed to report security checks to the nearest Department of National Services (DSS) office as part of a comprehensive review process.
Some nominees are also asked to provide their personal education and professional history to facilitate thorough background screening.
Former Southeast Governors Ifeanyi ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu have begun the screening process for diplomatic roles, reliable sources who spoke with the Pioneer revealed.
In addition, Reno Omokri, the latest member of all the Progress Conference (APC) and former presidential aide, is also part of the list of nominees who completed the screening.
In addition, Lagos State Lieutenant Governor Femi Pedro and former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode’s former lieutenant governor were also screened and cleaned up for their potential diplomatic missions.
In September 2023, President Bola Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, including professional and non-professional diplomats, creating a huge gap in diplomatic leadership among various missionaries in Nigeria abroad.
About two years later, the Presidential Palace announced in March 2025 that the replacement for the recalled ambassador would be named “soon.”
As Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar explained, the delay in appointing a new ambassador is attributed to a lack of funds.
The shortage of funds has caused foreign officials and stakeholders to worry about the leadership of Nigeria’s diplomatic mission.
With the ongoing screening process, the federal government is expected to announce new diplomats and their respective posts soon.
