PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu may give priority to ambassadorial postings in G-20 countries when he unveils his long-awaited list of nominees, according to one of his spokespersons, Dr. Daniel Bwala.
News Point Nigeria reports that Bwala, writing on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, explained that the delay in announcing Nigeria’s new ambassadors was due to funding challenges affecting the country’s foreign missions. He however assured that the matter would soon be resolved.
According to him, the President’s likely strategy is to ensure that Nigeria strengthens representation in G-20 countries, given their pivotal role in global economic affairs and their strong trade and investment ties with Nigeria.
“The delay in releasing the ambassadorial list is a funding issue, not neglect. But the President may strategically prioritise G-20 nations, considering their economic weight and partnership potential with Nigeria,” Bwala stated.
While attention remains on Tinubu’s forthcoming ambassadorial list, Nigeria’s seasoned diplomat and former Foreign Minister, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, is preparing to take the global stage again at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York later this month.
Gambari recently participated in a five-day review session of the African Union (AU) Governance, Peace, and Security Frameworks held in Nairobi, Kenya, from September 1–5. The AU high-level reform panel, chaired by former South African Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, also included:
Amre Moussa, former Egyptian Foreign Minister and ex-Secretary-General of the Arab League
Sam Kutesa, Uganda’s former Foreign Minister and past UNGA President
Mahamet Saleh Annadif, Chad’s former Foreign Minister and ex-UN Under-Secretary-General
AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, also attended the Nairobi deliberations.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, Gambari said his participation reflects Nigeria’s leadership in Africa’s quest for peace and security.
“My work with the AU reform panel underscores Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa’s search for sustainable peace and security,” he noted.
At the UNGA in New York, Gambari is expected to deliver the keynote address at the African Economic Global Convergence (AEGC) Summit on September 21, where he will also be honoured with the prestigious AEMA Black Prize for Excellence in International Service and Diplomacy.
On the same day, he will participate in a high-level presidential roundtable titled: “From Ezulwini to an Equitable World Order: Power, Peace, Prosperity and Reparations.”
The event, organised by the Africa Governance Institute and the Open Society Foundations, will mark the 20th anniversary of the Ezulwini Consensus, which advocates permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
Later, on September 25, Gambari will chair a high-level roundtable on “Unlocking Energy, Oil & Gas, Minerals, Aviation and Maritime Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea: A Roadmap for Peace and Security,” convened by The New Diplomat.