••Former Aviation Minister, ex-Lagos Deputy Governor among prominent figures being vetted for Nigeria’s foreign missions amid funding hurdles.
The Nigerian Federal Government is actively vetting a slate of potential candidates, including prominent figures like former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Pedro, to fill crucial diplomatic positions across its 109 foreign missions. Sunday PUNCH sources reveal that the screening process is underway for roles in 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates globally.
Insiders familiar with the development disclosed that the vetting process is decentralized, with nominees being directed to the Department of State Services (DSS) offices nearest to their locations. Presidency officials confirmed that numerous individuals have been contacted to provide detailed personal, educational, and professional histories as part of the security clearance.
“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. When they have cleared security checks, we will release the list,” one anonymous official stated. “Only those who have been cleared are announced. The process is ongoing. I know that we should have a list before the end of this month (April).”
Another source elaborated on the vetting procedure, noting, “The vetting is not done centrally. It is based on the location of the nominees. Nominees have been reached to provide personal history and information such as where they attended school, what appointments they have held, and the like. So, it is by location.”
This move comes after President Bola Tinubu recalled over 83 career and non-career ambassadors in September 2023 as part of a broad reassessment of Nigeria’s foreign policy, dubbed the ‘4Ds’—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora. However, the appointment of new envoys has faced significant delays, primarily due to substantial funding challenges estimated at around $1 billion. These funds are reportedly needed to cover arrears for foreign service officials, settle outstanding overhead costs, replace aging vehicles, and renovate dilapidated embassy buildings.
Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar previously acknowledged the financial constraints, stating that deploying ambassadors without adequate resources to support their operations would be futile. While provisions have been made in the 2025 budget, sources indicate these funds may still fall short of the total requirement.
Despite the delays, the vetting process is now reportedly moving forward more swiftly. Sources within the Presidency and foreign service, while keeping the full list confidential, confirmed the screening of notable and, in some cases, controversial figures like Femi Fani-Kayode and Femi Pedro. Fola Adeola, the founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, is also reportedly among the nominees. A Presidency source specifically denied reports that Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, was on the list.
Officials emphasized that the thorough vetting is crucial to prevent any security issues or negative impacts on Nigeria’s international standing. President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, had earlier stressed the need for a comprehensive process before the final ambassadorial list is submitted to the National Assembly, noting the two components of career and political appointments involved.
When contacted by Sunday PUNCH, both Femi Fani-Kayode and Femi Pedro declined to comment on their nomination status.
