While President Bola Tinubu’s foreign trips to Saint Lucia, Brazil, and Japan demonstrate active diplomatic outreach in 2025, Nigeria faces a growing diplomatic void due to the prolonged vacancy of its ambassadorial posts.

The delay risks undermining the country’s global influence at a time when international presence is critical. As ambassadorial appointments are anticipated soon, many are watching whether this gap will be finally filled to restore full diplomatic representation.

Despite calls on the President to appoint Ambassadors, the special assistant on media and communications strategy to the minister of foreign affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, in a statement released in defence of the President, said, “the delay in appointments of ambassadors is owed to Tinubu’s comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s foreign service architecture to ensure that future ambassadorial appointments reflect not only political balance but also merit, competence, and integrity.

“The appointment of ambassadors is not a haphazard exercise to satisfy political impatience or party quotas. It is a sovereign function, guided by rigorous considerations, national security priorities, and the strategic interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It requires extensive consultation, vetting, and bilateral clearance with host countries.”

Here is the list of trips made by the President in 2025 amidst an ambassadorial vacancy:

Ghana (January 6)

Attended the Ghanaian presidential inauguration, signalling a goodwill gesture to strengthen regional ties.

United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi) January 11

Attended the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Summit, focusing on sustainability and green energy.

Tanzania (January 26–28, 2025)

Attended the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit (Mission 300)

France (February and April)

Made multiple visits, including private and working stops—underscoring France’s significance in Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape.

Italy (Vatican City) May 17

Attended the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, reflecting engagement with global religious and cultural institutions.

Saint Lucia (June 28 – early July 2025)

President Bola Tinubu embarked on a state visit to Saint Lucia to deepen diplomatic ties and strengthen cultural and economic partnerships through the African Union’s Sixth Region framework.

Brazil (July 6–7, 2025)

Following Saint Lucia, he attended the 17th BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, representing Nigeria’s status as a “partner country” and engaging in discussions on Global South cooperation.

Dubai (UAE) – August 14

Made a stopover in Dubai, likely for transit or additional engagements.

Japan (Tokyo/Yokohama – August 2025)

President Tinubu will participate in TICAD9 (Tokyo International Conference on African Development) from August 20 to 22 in Yokohama. He will take part in plenary sessions, hold bilateral meetings with Japanese business leaders, and discuss economic transformation, investment, and institutional development.

Return to Brazil (late August 2025)

To conclude the trip, he is expected to proceed to Brazil for a two-day state visit (likely around August 24–25), meeting with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and engaging in forums aimed at boosting bilateral economic cooperation.