ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria’s Federal Government has recalled all its ambassadors across the globe.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar communicated the move on Saturday, September 2, 2023, who insisted that the decision was not targeted at any individual envoy but applies to both career and non-career ambassadors.
The news initially broke as a recall for Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola.
However, it quickly emerged that the directive was far-reaching.
Tuggar’s Special Adviser on Media, Al-Kashim Abdul-Kadir, clarified the government’s stance in a statement.
“Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has reaffirmed that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Abdul-Kadir said.
“Ambassadors serve at the president’s behest, and it’s his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”
The ambassadors are expected to commence winding down their affairs and take formal leave of their host governments within the next 60 days.
They are to return to Nigeria no later than October 31, 2023.
While thanking the ambassadors for their service, Tuggar said, “I look forward to welcoming them in Abuja upon their return.”
The sweeping recall has sparked speculation in international political circles, raising questions about President Tinubu’s diplomatic strategy moving forward.
Nigeria has been a key player on the African continent, and its diplomatic moves are closely watched as indicators of broader geopolitical trends.
“Recalling all ambassadors is an unusual move that indicates something significant is afoot in Nigeria’s foreign policy,” said Professor Angela Obi, a political science expert at the University of Abuja.
“Whether it’s a fresh start or a tactical realignment remains to be seen, but it’s certainly noteworthy.”
As the ambassadors prepare to leave their posts and return to Nigeria, the international community will closely watch for any shifts in the country’s diplomatic approach under President Tinubu.
Whether this broad recall will lead to a reset in international relationships or merely represents a reshuffling of the diplomatic deck is still an open question.
