Thirteen months after President Bola Tinubu recalled 83 ambassadors in a diplomatic overhaul, Nigeria still lacks formal representatives in 109 missions worldwide. While 12 consuls-general and five chargés d’affaires were appointed earlier this year, funding shortfalls have stalled the appointment of new ambassadors. Diplomatic experts warn that this absence affects Nigeria’s ability to engage effectively at high diplomatic levels, as chargé d’affaires lack the authority and influence of full ambassadors. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs cites budget constraints as the primary reason for the delay.
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