Ambassadorial slots still available, Tinubu tells Buhari loyalists

President Bola Tinubu says putting together names for ambassadorial positions has been a herculean task. 

The president is yet to name ambassadors for Nigeria’s foreign missions two years after he assumed the reins.

In July, the foreign affairs ministry said the delay was due to Tinubu’s “comprehensive reform of Nigeria’s foreign service architecture to ensure that future ambassadorial appointments reflect not only political balance but also merit, competence, and integrity”.

Speaking on Tuesday when members of the Buhari Organisation paid him a visit at the presidential villa in Abuja, the president pleaded for patience and understanding.

“I couldn’t appoint everybody at once and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for. But it’s not easy stitching those names,” he said.

Tinubu said his administration prioritised stabilising the economy.

He noted that his government has been able to strengthen the naira and boost revenue without borrowing.

“When I took over it was N1,900 to a dollar. It’s N1,450 now. Rates have been stabilising and you don’t have to know a CBN governor to do foreign exchange. All you have to do is export and import and create jobs for the people,” he said.

Tinubu added that his government is also prioritising mechanisation in agriculture to strengthen food security.

“All I can promise you is where we started and where we are going to. The path to Nigeria’s recovery… we are on it,” he said.

The president pledged that his administration would continue to build on the legacies of former president Muhammadu Buhari.