SUNTV Global News | March 11, 2026
Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts have encountered a significant hurdle as several countries, including India, have reportedly declined to approve some of the ambassadors recently nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Diplomatic sources disclosed that the reluctance stems from an international practice observed by certain nations which discourages accepting ambassadors from governments that have less than two years remaining in office.
According to officials familiar with the development, India has already indicated its unwillingness to grant agrément—formal diplomatic approval—for Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to New Delhi, Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru. Under established diplomatic protocol, a host country must approve an ambassadorial nominee before the envoy can officially assume duty.
A senior official within the Presidency explained that the decision is not necessarily about the individuals nominated but rather the limited time they would be able to serve.
“They do not usually accept ambassadors from administrations that have less than two years left in office,” the official said. “Some countries are hesitant, not because of the nominees themselves, but because they believe the remaining time in the administration is too short.”
Another foreign service source added that some nations fear the possibility of a change in government after the next election, which could result in newly appointed ambassadors being replaced soon after taking office.
“The concern is that the current administration has roughly a year left before the election cycle concludes. If a new government emerges, these ambassadors could be recalled almost immediately,” the source explained.
President Tinubu recently approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries and international organizations around the world. The list includes prominent political figures and seasoned diplomats assigned to key missions in countries such as Germany, China, Mexico, and India, as well as positions at the United Nations.
However, diplomatic approvals have reportedly been slow. Only a handful of countries—including the United Kingdom and France—have granted agrément so far, leaving the status of many nominees uncertain.
Sources also pointed to delays in the appointment process as a contributing factor. In September 2023, the Nigerian government recalled ambassadors from more than 100 foreign missions worldwide, leaving numerous diplomatic posts vacant for over two years before new nominations were finally made.
Despite the challenges, officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remain hopeful that Nigeria’s longstanding diplomatic relationships with many countries may help persuade them to make exceptions.
“I know India maintains such a policy,” a senior diplomat said. “When a government has less than two years remaining in office, accepting a new ambassador can become difficult.”
Nigeria’s next presidential election is scheduled for January 2027, while President Tinubu’s current tenure will conclude in May 2027. Given this timeline, some of the newly nominated envoys could end up serving for less than a year if approvals continue to be delayed.
SUNTV Global News will continue to monitor developments surrounding Nigeria’s diplomatic postings and international relations.
