By Joy Odor
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has strongly refuted recent claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) regarding Nigeria’s foreign representation and the pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja by
Alkasim Abdulkadir, thy Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to MFA, the Ministry described ADC’s remarks as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed about the operational realities of international diplomacy.”
The Ministry emphasized that Nigeria’s foreign missions are fully and effectively represented by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires who continue to advance Nigeria’s interests and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad.
The Ministry highlighted recent high-level engagements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, as evidence of Nigeria’s robust external relations.
These engagements include strategic meetings with foreign counterparts and participation in international forums.
The Ministry also dismissed ADC’s claims about the handling of a reported US proposal on Venezuelan deportees, describing Nigeria’s response as “clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights.”
The Ministry urged political actors and commentators to exercise restraint and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy, emphasizing that diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity.
“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.
“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.
