FG begins screening of Diplomatic Nominees to fill Ambassadorial Vacancies

The Federal Government has officially begun the screening of individuals nominated for diplomatic appointments as part of efforts to fill the vacant positions in Nigeria’s 76 embassies and 22 high commissions.

According to reports, the nominees have been instructed to visit the nearest Department of State Services (DSS) offices for security clearance.

Some of them have also been contacted to submit their educational qualifications and work history.

A credible source revealed to NUJ FCT that two former governors from the South-East, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, have already undergone the screening process for possible ambassadorial roles. The source further disclosed that Shehu Sani, who recently joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, are also among the nominees that have been screened.

In addition, the source confirmed that former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, and former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, have completed the screening and have been cleared for their expected national assignments.

It is worth recalling that in September 2023, President Bola Tinubu ordered the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors—both career and non-career—without immediate replacements. However, in March 2025, the presidency announced that their replacements would be named “very soon.”

Recent reports by Vanguard indicate that background checks are ongoing for the shortlisted nominees, with findings being shared with relevant offices in the presidency and the National Assembly.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had earlier blamed the delay in appointing new ambassadors on financial constraints, even as foreign partners and stakeholders continued to express worry over the leadership vacuum in Nigerian missions abroad.

With the screening now underway, there are strong indications that the Federal Government will soon reveal the names and official postings of the new diplomats.