The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed recent claims by the African Democratic Congress questioning Nigeria’s diplomatic presence and pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, describing the remarks as “misleading, alarmist, and politically motivated.”
The party had on Monday berated the president over his refusal to appoint ambassadors to the country’s foreign missions.
In a statement by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC noted that this is the longest period Nigeria has gone without duly accredited ambassadors in any of its foreign missions.
The party added that if the embarrassing absence is allowed to persist, other countries will soon start to downgrade Nigeria, and Nigerians will bear the brunt.
Reacting, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, in a statement on Tuesday, said Nigeria remains fully represented in all its foreign missions through experienced diplomats and competent chargés d’affaires who continue to carry out their duties effectively.
“Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires.
“These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad.
“To suggest otherwise is both inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers,” the Minister added.