FG Screens Fani-Kayode, Pedro, Others for Ambassadorial Roles – Sources

The Federal Government has begun screening potential nominees for ambassadorial positions across Nigeria’s 109 diplomatic missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates. Among the candidates undergoing vetting are former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, according to reliable sources.

The vetting process, currently being coordinated by the Department of State Services (DSS), is not being conducted centrally. Instead, nominees are reporting to DSS offices closest to their locations. Presidency officials confirmed that candidates have been asked to submit their educational and work histories, and only those who clear security checks will be announced. The final list is expected by the end of April.

Since President Bola Tinubu recalled more than 83 ambassadors—both career and non-career—in September 2023, the country has operated its foreign policy without appointed ambassadors. The recall followed a comprehensive reassessment of Nigeria’s international engagement strategy, structured around Tinubu’s “4Ds”: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

The selection process has been delayed several times, largely due to financial constraints. Officials estimate that approximately $1 billion is needed to address a wide range of challenges in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions, including salary arrears, operational overheads, and major capital expenditures such as the renovation of embassies, purchase of vehicles, and payment of expired rents. Many missions are reportedly rundown, with some lacking basic amenities such as water, power, and functional transportation.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar acknowledged last year that the delay was linked to funding shortages, stressing that it was impractical to appoint ambassadors without resources for travel and the day-to-day running of foreign missions. Despite allocations in the 2025 budget, insiders say the funds remain inadequate to cover the full costs.

Although the complete list of ambassadorial nominees remains classified, officials say it includes some high-profile and controversial figures. In addition to Fani-Kayode and Pedro, names like Guaranty Trust Bank founder Fola Adeola have also surfaced. A claim that former presidential aide Reno Omokri was among the nominees was denied by a senior Presidency source.

Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga reiterated that the list would go through thorough internal processes before submission to the National Assembly. He emphasized that the final compilation will balance both career diplomats and political appointees. Nominees contacted by the press declined to comment on their possible appointments.