Lauretta Onochie, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has sharply criticized President Bola Tinubu for failing to appoint replacements for Nigeria’s ambassadors abroad nearly two years after recalling all ambassadors in September 2023.
Onochie accused Tinubu of running Nigeria like a “private WhatsApp group,” referring to the long delay in naming new envoys to lead Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Recall of Ambassadors and Diplomatic Impact
President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career, on September 2, 2023, sending them back home as part of a review of Nigeria’s diplomatic service. This recall included envoys to over 100 missions worldwide, with Nigeria having 109 missions consisting of 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates. The recall was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. Despite the recall, no new substantive ambassadorial appointments have been made as of August 2025, leaving Nigerian foreign missions headed only by consuls-general or charge d’affaires, who lack the full ambassadorial authority and stature necessary for high-level diplomatic engagement.
Diplomatic Concerns and National Interest
Onochie emphasized that ambassadors play a crucial role in representing Nigeria’s national interests, maintaining diplomatic relations, promoting trade and investment, protecting citizens abroad, and gathering essential information for Nigeria. The prolonged absence of substantive heads has raised concerns about Nigeria’s diminished diplomatic presence and prestige globally.
Onochie’s Twitter Critique and Allegations
In a post on her X (formerly Twitter) handle on August 6, 2025, Onochie alleged that President Tinubu prefers to focus on countries like St. Lucia and Kazakhstan, “where he can be idolised and worshipped for the right price,” implying a neglect of critical diplomatic relationships with more influential nations. She stated:
“A strategist who doesn’t know that Nigeria needs Ambassadors to relate with the rest of the world is running Nigeria like a private WhatsApp group. He prefers to relate to St. Lucia and Kazakhstan, where he can be idolised and worshipped for the right price.”
Government Position and Possible Reasons for Delay
While there has been acknowledgment of the recall, sources indicate that delays in appointment stem partly from slow vetting processes and budgetary constraints. In March 2025, reports surfaced that Nigeria had begun vetting candidates for the ambassadorial posts, with appointments expected “very soon.” The Foreign Affairs Ministry and security agencies have reportedly been conducting background checks to ensure suitable appointments.
Nigeria had budgeted over 300 billion naira (approximately $198 million) for running its foreign missions in 2025. However, foreign policy has taken a backseat as the Tinubu administration prioritizes fixing Nigeria’s struggling economy. The absence of ambassadors has been raised in discussions between President Tinubu and foreign leaders, with assurances given that new appointments will be announced soon.
Nearly two years after recalling all ambassadors, Nigeria’s foreign missions remain without substantive heads, causing diplomatic and reputational concerns. Lauretta Onochie’s criticisms reflect frustration from some quarters over the slow pace of re-establishing Nigeria’s diplomatic presence. The government’s delayed appointment process appears driven by procedural and fiscal issues but remains a critical matter for Nigeria’s global engagement.
