The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm rebuttal to recent claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing the party’s comments on Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and ambassadorial appointments as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed.”
The statement was signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs
In a statement signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and released on Monday, the Ministry condemned what it termed a “deliberate attempt to misrepresent the state of Nigeria’s foreign missions and undermine the credibility of the foreign service.” It emphasized that Nigeria remained fully represented in all its diplomatic posts through seasoned diplomats and chargés d’affaires who are diligently advancing the country’s interests across the globe.
The Ministry cautioned political actors and commentators against using foreign policy as a tool for domestic political gain, stressing that Nigeria’s global reputation must not be undermined by sensationalism or partisan posturing. “Diplomacy thrives on strategic clarity, discretion, and consistency not populism. Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive on the global stage,” the statement added.
“These professionals continue to provide critical consular services, promote trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of Nigerians abroad. To suggest otherwise is both factually inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry cited recent high-level diplomatic engagements led by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, including strategic meetings with counterparts from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt. It also noted Nigeria’s active participation in global and regional platforms such as the African Union, ECOWAS, and the BRICS forum as evidence of the country’s vibrant and purposeful diplomacy.
Addressing the ADC’s criticism of delays in ambassadorial appointments, the Ministry underscored that such appointments are sovereign decisions that must be handled with strategic care and not dictated by partisan pressure.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture. Future diplomatic postings will be driven by merit, competence, and alignment with national priorities—not political expediency or patronage,” the Ministry stated.
Responding to the ADC’s allegation that morale within Nigeria’s foreign missions is at its lowest, the Ministry strongly refuted the claim, stating that while longstanding structural and funding challenges persist, they predate the current administration. It added that Nigerian diplomats continue to serve the nation with distinction, dedication, and professionalism, often under difficult conditions.
The Ministry also dismissed as misleading the party’s assertion that Nigeria mishandled the reported U.S. proposal regarding the deportation of Venezuelan migrants. According to the statement, Nigeria’s response was principled and aligned with its sovereign rights, adding that the Minister’s public clarification reflected the increasing need for transparency in global diplomatic engagements.
“The suggestion that the Minister’s statement constituted a diplomatic misstep reveals a profound misunderstanding of the evolving nature of international diplomacy,” the Ministry noted.
