The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has launched a blistering critique of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy strategy, following the United States government’s recent reclassification of Nigeria as a Level 3 “Reconsider Travel” destination.
In a sharply worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party called the development a “national humiliation” and a direct consequence of the Tinubu administration’s neglect of diplomatic duties and failure to project Nigeria’s interests abroad.
The U.S. advisory, updated this month, cited soaring insecurity, poor emergency services, and crumbling healthcare infrastructure in Nigeria. It warns travelers that local medical facilities are far below acceptable standards and that access to essential medication is severely limited. The advisory even recommends that foreign visitors consider purchasing evacuation insurance before arriving in Nigeria—an implication the ADC called “deeply shameful” for a country with the region’s largest population and economy.
Ambassadorial Absences and Diplomatic Paralysis
Central to ADC’s criticism is the troubling absence of Nigerian ambassadors in strategic global capitals—including Washington D.C., where the advisory was issued. The party described this diplomatic void as “unforgivable,” pointing out that Nigeria has been without accredited ambassadors in key countries since October 2023, when the administration recalled all envoys for what it described as a policy reset.
“What kind of serious government allows itself to go voiceless in Washington for this long—especially when our reputation is under such heavy scrutiny?” the statement read. “We are invisible abroad because diplomacy has been reduced to a side hustle.”
The ADC further accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of offering excuses rather than solutions, referencing what it calls a pattern of “bureaucratic deflection.” The Ministry has blamed the delay on internal reforms and a desire to ensure that ambassadorial nominees meet criteria of merit, competence, and integrity. But the ADC argues this is mere lip service.
“If competence is truly the goal, let the government prove it by acting—by appointing credible diplomats without delay. Empty talk is not governance,” Abdullahi said.
Wasted Opportunities and a Growing Leadership Vacuum
The statement also underscored the missed diplomatic opportunities caused by Nigeria’s absence from high-level international dialogue. According to the ADC, since the recall of ambassadors in 2023, five of the G7 nations—including the U.S., UK, and Canada—have seen leadership transitions. Yet, Nigeria has had no senior envoys present to engage the new administrations, lobby for foreign investment, or negotiate strategic partnerships.
“This isn’t just oversight—it’s a full-scale diplomatic failure,” the ADC declared. “Not even during the civil war did Nigeria operate without ambassadors for this long.”
The party warned that the longer Nigeria remains without diplomatic representation in key capitals, the more damage it does to the nation’s credibility, foreign investment prospects, and national security.
A Call for Urgent Action
Reiterating its earlier appeals, the ADC called on the Tinubu administration to end what it described as “governance by excuse,” and to show the political will required to manage a complex and globally integrated country like Nigeria.
“A nation of 200 million cannot afford to be mute on the world stage. We are absent where we must be present. Silent where we should be persuasive. Leaderless at home and invisible abroad,” the statement concluded.
The party urged President Tinubu to immediately submit ambassadorial nominees for confirmation and ensure that Nigeria reclaims its seat at global decision-making tables—before the diplomatic silence becomes permanent.
