Ex-foreign affairs minister urges Tinubu to appoint more career ambassadors

Nigeria's diplomatic service is facing internal friction, as highlighted by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd.). He has voiced strong concerns over President Bola Tinubu's administration's perceived leaning towards political appointees for ambassadorial roles, a practice he argues is detrimental to the morale and career aspirations of seasoned diplomats.

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I like to say that I am a bit unhappy to see that the government’s preference for political appointees has made it almost impossible for young men and women who put their lives into training to become career ambassadors on their retirement. This is not right.

Nwachukwu, speaking at the public presentation of a memoir by diplomat Eineje Onobu, lamented that the current trend makes it nearly impossible for young diplomats, who dedicate their careers to service, to reach the pinnacle of their profession. He recalled a past era where a 70-30 ratio favored career ambassadors, a balance he believes should be restored, or even improved to an 80-20 split. This, he contends, is essential for recognizing and rewarding the dedication of those who commit their lives to Nigeria's foreign service.

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In my time, we had a 70 – 30 ratio. That is 70 per cent of career ambassadors and 30 per cent for non-career ambassadors. We must go back to that. It is frustrating for young men and women to enter service aiming to become an ambassador, but failing to do so because there are no available slots.

The discourse gains significance as it follows the Senate's recent confirmation of 62 ambassadorial nominees, a list that includes prominent political figures alongside career diplomats. While the government aims to fill crucial diplomatic posts, the debate underscores a persistent tension between political patronage and professional meritocracy within Nigeria's foreign policy apparatus. From a Nigerian perspective, this issue touches upon fairness, national pride, and the effective representation of national interests abroad, ensuring that those best equipped, both in experience and dedication, are entrusted with representing the nation on the global stage.

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I do not believe in being patronised or looked down upon. Nigeria is a sovereign nation with history and pride, an