The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as misleading and politically motivated recent remarks by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticizing Nigeria’s foreign representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement issued Tuesday by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry described the ADC’s position as “alarmist” and “misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.”
The Ministry maintained that Nigeria remains effectively represented at all its foreign missions by experienced diplomats and chargés d’affaires, who continue to uphold the country’s interests, deliver consular services, and support citizens abroad.
“To suggest otherwise is inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers,” the statement read.
It cited recent high-level engagements by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, including meetings with senior officials of the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as participation in BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS forums, as evidence of Nigeria’s active and robust foreign policy.
The Ministry also rejected the ADC’s description of Nigerian missions as “sorry symbols,” calling the claim false and insulting. While acknowledging pre-existing structural and funding challenges, the Ministry said it was untrue that morale among diplomats was at its “lowest,” stressing that foreign service personnel continue to serve with distinction under often difficult circumstances.
On ambassadorial postings, the Ministry reiterated that such appointments are a sovereign responsibility and not subject to partisan pressures. It said President Tinubu remains committed to reforming the foreign service to ensure postings are merit-based and aligned with national interests.
“The ADC’s comments reflect political opportunism and a lack of understanding of foreign policy processes. Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks,” the statement added.
It also addressed the recent controversy over Nigeria’s handling of a reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees, insisting that the government’s response was principled and consistent with sovereign rights, and rejecting suggestions of diplomatic missteps.
The Ministry urged political actors and commentators to exercise restraint and responsibility in discussing foreign policy, warning that Nigeria’s global standing should not be undermined by sensationalism or partisan point-scoring.
“Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs. Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity — not populism,” the statement concluded.