COULD A Nigerian Ambassador In Washington Have Averted This? By BABAFEMI OJUDU

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Since the inception of the Tinubu administration, Nigeria has operated without substantive ambassadors in key foreign missions. Our embassies — the frontlines of our foreign policy — have been left without political leadership at a time when global affairs are delicate and perceptions shift quickly.

Diplomacy is not a luxury; it is a strategic necessity. Nations project influence not only through force or trade, but through relationships, persuasion, and presence.

Now, as tensions rise and narratives are being shaped in Washington, one cannot help but ask: if we had a fully empowered Ambassador in the U.S. capital, could Nigeria have better anticipated, managed, or even helped avert aspects of the present crisis?

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Unfortunately, even if the government decided today to appoint an Ambassador, it may already be late for this moment.

The accreditation process — nomination in Abuja, Senate confirmation, diplomatic clearance by the host country, and eventual resumption — takes months.

Diplomacy moves on timelines that patience and foresight must respect. When crises erupt, relationships already built are the only currency that matters.

An ambassador’s role is not ceremonial. A capable envoy builds networks, senses early signals, engages policymakers, opens doors, and quietly manages friction before it becomes fire.

They serve as the nation’s eyes, ears, and voice. Absence at such moments can translate to diplomatic silence — and in global politics, silence is rarely neutral.

Nigeria cannot afford diplomatic inertia. We are Africa’s most populous nation, a continental leader, and a country with deep strategic interests across the world. Leaving our missions without political heads diminishes our voice and weakens our capacity to manage international challenges.

It is time to appoint Ambassadors — not as patronage, but as a strategic investment. Our foreign service officers are capable, but leadership matters. Presence matters. Visibility matters.

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In diplomacy, prevention is always cheaper than response. And timing, sometimes, is everything.