Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Refutes ADC’s Claims on Diplomatic Posture
Oru Leonard
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), has strongly refuted recent claims made by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding the country’s foreign representation and ambassadorial appointments. The Ministry described the ADC’s remarks as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.”
Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy
To the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, noted explained in a press statement that the Nigeria’s foreign missions are fully represented by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires who advance the country’s interests and safeguard citizens abroad.
The statement also said the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has engaged in strategic meetings with foreign counterparts and participated in international forums, demonstrating Nigeria’s robust external relations.
These include strategic meetings with the U.S. State Department, Foreign Ministers of the UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as active participation in forums such as BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function that will be driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment, not patronage or expediency”, the statement explains further.
The Ministry dismissed the ADC’s assertion that Nigerian missions have become “sorry symbols” as false and insulting to the hardworking men and women of Nigeria’s foreign service. The Ministry also rejected claims that Nigeria mishandled a reported U.S. proposal, stating that Nigeria’s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights.
The Ministry remains focused on constructive diplomacy, protecting Nigeria’s global interests, and restoring credibility to foreign service operations through thoughtful reforms and principled engagement. The Ministry urged political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy.
“Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs. The Ministry urges political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy. Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity not populism”, the statement concluded.
