The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed comments from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) criticising the delayed appointments of ambassadors to Nigerian missions abroad.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, described the ADC’s criticisms as “baseless” and “politicised.”

Bolaji Abdullahi, the interim National Publicity Secretary for the ADC, had argued that President Bola Tinubu’s failure to appoint ambassadors has negatively impacted the quality of Nigeria’s engagement and relationships with host countries.

Abdullahi pointed to recent updates in visa policies from the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as evidence of deteriorating relations due to the absence of ambassadors.

In its response, Abdulkadir stated that the delay in appointments of ambassadors is owed 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.”

“The appointment of ambassadors is not a haphazard exercise to satisfy political impatience or party quotas,” the statement said.

“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function, guided by rigorous considerations, national security priorities, and the strategic interests of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It requires extensive consultation, vetting, and bilateral clearance with host countries.

“The days of posting envoys as political rewards without requisite diplomatic experience or strategic fit are over,” he added.