Foreign Affairs Slams ADC over Remarks on Nigeria’s Diplomatic Posture

Foreign Affairs Slams ADC over Remarks on Nigeria’s Diplomatic Posture

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed as “alarmist” and “politically motivated” the recent comments by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding Nigeria’s diplomatic representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

In a statement signed on Tuesday, by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry accused the ADC of spreading misinformation and attempting to politicise sensitive matters of international diplomacy.

“The Ministry considers the ADC’s remarks to be alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy,” the statement said.

It emphasised that Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and competent chargés d’affaires who continue to uphold the country’s interests abroad.

“To suggest otherwise is both inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria’s foreign service officers,” it added.

Highlighting recent diplomatic engagements, the Ministry pointed to several high-level meetings undertaken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, including with counterparts from the U.S., UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt. Nigeria’s active role in multilateral forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS was also cited as evidence of its “robust external relations.”

Responding to the ADC’s criticism over delays in ambassadorial appointments, the Ministry maintained that such decisions are the prerogative of the President and should not be rushed.

“Ambassadorial appointments are a sovereign function not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement.

“President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment not patronage or expediency,” the statement read.

The Ministry also strongly rejected the ADC’s claim that Nigeria’s missions abroad have become “sorry symbols,” describing the comment as “false” and “insulting.”

“It is categorically untrue that morale is at its ‘lowest.’ Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction under often difficult circumstances,” the statement noted.

On the issue of the reported U.S. proposal to deport Venezuelans to Nigeria, the Ministry insisted that Nigeria’s response was consistent with its sovereign rights and diplomatically sound.

“The notion that the Foreign Minister’s public articulation of Nigeria’s position was a diplomatic faux pas ignores the realities of modern diplomacy, where transparency and responsible communication are increasingly vital,” it said.

The Ministry concluded by urging political actors to refrain from using diplomacy for partisan attacks.

“Nigeria’s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring,” the statement warned. “Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity not populism.”

It reaffirmed its commitment to constructive diplomacy, protecting Nigeria’s international interests, and restoring credibility to the foreign service through thoughtful reforms.