Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has assured that Nigeria’s embassies across the world remain fully operational despite the absence of substantive ambassadors.

In an interview with TheCable, Tuggar dismissed concerns that diplomatic missions were paralysed, stressing that existing structures ensure seamless continuity.

“All our embassies are functioning well. The chargé d’affaires in each mission is carrying out responsibilities effectively. The absence of ambassadors has not created a vacuum,” he said.

Explaining the chain of command, the minister noted that while ambassadors head missions, deputies, counsellors, and career officers oversee daily operations.
“Diplomacy is not a one-man show. The system is designed to cope with such situations,” he added.

Tuggar emphasized that the appointment of ambassadors is the prerogative of the president and will be made in due course.
“Mr President is considering the matter, and when the time is right, names will be announced. Meanwhile, our missions are not idle,” he said.

He maintained that Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives are still being pursued, with embassies facilitating trade, investment, consular services, and cultural exchanges.
“Nigerians abroad are still accessing services, and our engagement with host countries has not diminished,” he explained.

The minister further argued that prolonged vacancies are not unusual in diplomacy.
“This is not peculiar to Nigeria. Diplomacy provides for such scenarios. What matters is substance, not optics,” Tuggar said.

He insisted that Nigeria’s global image remains intact.
“Our foreign policy direction is clear, and our presence is felt globally. What we are doing is ensuring that our missions deliver tangible results for Nigerians, not just ceremonial appearances,” he stressed.

Tuggar also revealed that, in some cases, chargés d’affaires have proven equally effective in representing Nigeria’s interests.
“The world understands how this works. Relations are not suspended because there is no ambassador,” he added.

He reiterated that embassies remain at the frontline of economic diplomacy, driving trade and investment opportunities while safeguarding citizens abroad.