The Tinubu administration is actively assessing potential diplomats to fill vacancies in its 109 foreign missions, which include embassies, high commissions, and consulates.
According to the Sunday Punch, High-level sources disclosed that ex-minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro are on the list of nominees undergoing security clearance by the DSS.
The vetting, being conducted regionally, requires nominees to report to local DSS offices to submit their educational and career histories.
Presidency officials confirmed that the review process is underway and emphasized that only candidates who pass security checks will make the final cut.
“The final list should be ready before April ends,” one official revealed, speaking under the condition of anonymity.
Another senior source highlighted that the decentralized vetting approach was adopted for logistical convenience. So far, the nomination list remains confidential, though a few prominent names have surfaced.
Back in September 2023, President Tinubu recalled over 80 ambassadors after a sweeping foreign policy reassessment based on his 4Ds doctrine.
Despite intentions to release a new list last December, the process was stalled due to severe financial setbacks.
One senior official revealed that around $1 billion is needed to refurbish neglected missions, clear arrears, and procure official vehicles.
“Some embassies are in terrible condition—no functional vehicles, power, or even office space.
Sending new ambassadors without fixing these issues is setting them up for failure,” the source noted.
Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar echoed this in May 2024, saying that budget limitations have stalled efforts.
“There’s no point appointing ambassadors if they can’t travel or run their offices effectively,” he said.
Though the 2025 budget includes partial allocations for the foreign service, officials say the funding falls short of what’s needed.
Names like Fani-Kayode, Pedro, and GTBank founder Fola Adeola have emerged among the political appointees being vetted.
Rumours about the inclusion of Reno Omokri were dismissed by a source within the Presidency, who confirmed, “Reno is not on the list, but FFK is.”
Presidential adviser Bayo Onanuga explained that the nominations, which cover both political and career diplomats, will still go through layers of review before being submitted to the National Assembly.
Two contacted nominees declined to comment on the matter.