
By Ameh Gabriel
Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has strongly refuted recent criticisms by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
This was contained in a statement signed Alkasim Abdulkadir Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Describing the ADC’s comments as “alarmist, politically charged, and grossly misinformed,” the Ministry asserted that Nigeria remains effectively represented in all its missions across the globe by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires who continue to safeguard the nation’s interests abroad.
“These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s priorities, deliver consular services, promote trade and investment, and protect Nigerian citizens overseas. To suggest otherwise is misleading and an affront to the dedication of our foreign service officers,” the statement read.

The Ministry highlighted recent high-level diplomatic engagements undertaken by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, including meetings with senior officials of the U.S. State Department and counterparts from the United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt. It also cited Nigeria’s active participation in strategic platforms such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS as evidence of the country’s vibrant foreign policy direction.
On ambassadorial appointments, the Ministry reiterated that such decisions are a sovereign prerogative and must be handled with the gravity they deserve not as a response to partisan pressure.
“President Tinubu, through his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture. Future appointments will be based on merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment—not political patronage,” it stated.
Reacting to the ADC’s claim that Nigerian missions have become “sorry symbols,” the Ministry condemned the assertion as false and disrespectful. While acknowledging structural and funding challenges many of which predate the current administration it maintained that Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with honour, often under challenging circumstances.
On the matter of the United States’ reported proposal to deport Venezuelan migrants to Nigeria, the Ministry described the response from the Nigerian government as “clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights.” It rejected accusations that the Minister’s public stance on the issue was diplomatically improper, emphasizing that modern diplomacy increasingly values transparency and responsible public communication.
In conclusion, the Ministry dismissed the ADC’s remarks as an attempt to politicize sensitive foreign policy issues.
“Diplomacy is not a tool for populism or partisan attacks. Nigeria’s global reputation is far too important to be undermined by misinformation or sensationalism,” the statement declared.
The Ministry reaffirmed its unwavering focus on constructive diplomacy, national interest, and the ongoing reform of foreign service institutions to enhance credibility and strategic relevance on the global stage.