President Bola Tinubu has recalled all of Nigeria’s 20 ambassadors back home from countries around the world.
This was disclosed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar.
Abdulkadir said in a statement: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar has reaffirmed that all career ambassadors and noncareer ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ambassadors as representatives of the country they serve at the behest of the president and it’s his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”
Nigeria has 20 embassies across the world according to Embassy Worldwwide. They include those in Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Benin, Canada, Central African Republic, China , Ethiopia, Gambia, Germany Ghana, Iraq, Mali, Morocco and the Netherlands.
Others include the Philippines, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Nigeria is likewise host to 94 foreign representations, including from the countries listed above.
President Tinubu had earlier recalled Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom. Ishola had been appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021.
Tuggar said in a letter dated August 31, 2023,that the decision signalled the end of Ishola’s tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
“By this communication, you are now expected to commence the process of winding down your affairs, and take formal leave of your host government within sixty days and to return to Nigeria by 31st October 2023 at the latest,” Tuggar instructed in the letter.
He added:“I seize this opportunity to express Mr President’s appreciation for the service you have rendered in your capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Principal Representative in the United Kingdom.
“While looking forward to welcoming you in Abuja on your return, please allow me to join Mr President in thanking Your Excellency for your exemplary leadership and service to Nigeria. I wish you God’s continued guidance in your future endeavours.”
