Officials familiar with the matter revealed that India has already signalled reluctance to grant approval for Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to New Delhi, Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru.
Some countries, including India, have reportedly declined to accept several ambassadors recently nominated by Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, due to concerns about the short time left in his current administration.
According to diplomatic sources, the rejection is linked to a policy practiced by some countries which discourages accepting ambassadors from governments that have less than two years remaining in office.
Officials familiar with the matter revealed that India has already signalled reluctance to grant approval for Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to New Delhi, Ambassador Muhammad Dahiru.
Under international diplomatic practice, a receiving country must grant agrément —formal approval — before an ambassador can assume duty.
One senior Presidency official explained the situation, saying: “They don’t accept an ambassador from an administration that has less than two years in office.”
The official added that several countries are already sending signals that they may refuse some of the nominees, not because of the individuals involved but because of the limited time they would be able to serve.
“Some countries are reluctant to accept some people, not because of the individuals but because of time. They see the government as having a short period left.”
Another foreign service source noted that countries are worried that a new government could soon replace the ambassadors if the current administration fails to win the next election.
“Their concern is that he has just about a year left, so what if he doesn’t win the election? Another government may come and remove them.”
President Tinubu recently approved the posting of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries and international organisations. Among the nominees are several prominent political figures and diplomats assigned to countries such as Germany, China, Mexico and India, as well as to the United Nations.
However, diplomatic approval has been slow.
Reports indicate that only a few countries have granted agrément so far, including the United Kingdom and France, leaving the fate of many other envoys uncertain.
Sources also said the delay in appointing ambassadors created part of the problem.
In September 2023, the Nigerian government recalled ambassadors from more than 100 foreign missions, leaving many diplomatic posts vacant for over two years before new nominees were eventually submitted.
Meanwhile, officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are hoping Nigeria’s strong diplomatic ties with some countries could help convince them to make exceptions to their policies.
One senior diplomat said: “I know India has that policy. If you are less than two years to the end of the tenure, there will be difficulties accepting an ambassador.”
The next Nigerian presidential election is scheduled for January 2027, while Tinubu’s current term ends in May 2027.
As a result of this timeline, some ambassadors may end up serving less than a year if their appointments are approved late.
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