Dr. Roberts Anya Nkata of Veritas University Abuja has said that Nigeria’s failure to deploy ambassadors to most of its diplomatic missions is undermining the country’s trade, security cooperation and global influence.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Sunday the political affairs and diplomacy scholar warned that the prolonged delay in posting ambassadors nearly three years after their recall could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic reach and economic opportunities.
He said the absence of ambassadors limits Nigeria’s ability to negotiate trade and investment agreements and also restricts access to high-level intelligence cooperation with other nations.
“For since 2003 we recalled about 109 ambassadors and we have been able to screen about 64 of them, yet only three have been posted. The implication is this: when you don’t have an ambassador in a country, the person in charge is a chargé d’affaires and they have limited access to the government.”
According to him, foreign governments often prefer engaging ambassadors rather than lower-ranking diplomats because of their authority.
“For instance, if I want to communicate something important to a country, I would prefer dealing with the ambassador, not the chargé d’affaires, because of the limited authority they have.”
Nkata stressed that ambassadors play a vital role in promoting Nigeria’s economic interests abroad and facilitating investment.
“These ambassadors do a whole lot of things. When people talk about finances being a constraint, we should also look at the importance of what these people do for us there. They are the ones that promote trade and investment.”
He explained that without diplomats actively promoting Nigeria’s economic opportunities, the country risks missing out on foreign investments.
“You might have the best products and the best investment environment, but without people promoting this trade and investment, you won’t really get the results. And this is what the ambassadors do.”
He also highlighted their strategic role in intelligence sharing and security cooperation.
“When it comes to security, the critical strategic role they play in intelligence sharing is important. Only ambassadors can be given the privilege of sharing certain strategic intelligence that can help us in our fight against insecurity in Nigeria.”
Nkata warned that sending ambassadors to only a few countries could also create the impression that Nigeria values some relationships more than others.
“Look at it from another angle. If we have only sent ambassadors to three countries, other countries may begin to ask: are we not important enough that you only sent ambassadors to nations you consider strategic?”
He added that every diplomatic action sends a message in international relations.
“When you talk about international relations, people observe every step and every movement you make. They interpret the meaning behind it.”
Reacting to reports that some diplomats allegedly borrow money to assume foreign postings, Nkata expressed concern.
“I also don’t really understand why someone should borrow money when going on a national assignment. If it is correct, it is not proper. You are not supposed to borrow money to go on a national assignment.”
While acknowledging that government may face financial constraints, he insisted the delay has gone on too long.
“Political reforms for how long? That is the question. Since 2023, it has taken too long.”
He argued that ambassadorial appointments should be prioritised because of their economic and diplomatic benefits.
“Government might have its priorities, but these ambassadorial appointments should be placed at the top because of what we stand to gain.”
Despite the diplomatic delays, Nkata maintained that Nigeria still operates a clear foreign policy framework centred on non-alignment.
“Our major foreign policy is non-alignment. We are not aligning with any nation. We make friends with everyone—America, Britain, Russia, China and others—and we don’t want any country to dictate to us.”
He explained that the approach allows Nigeria flexibility in choosing partnerships that best serve its interests.
“It is better for us not to align with anyone so that we can work with whichever country offers the most benefit at a particular time.”
Nkata concluded that promptly deploying ambassadors would strengthen Nigeria’s global presence and ensure the country does not continue to lose economic and diplomatic opportunities.
Boluwatife Enome
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