ADC criticises Tinubu, says Nigeria diplomacy is treated as a side hustle, citing lack of ambassadors and failure to respond to US travel advisory warnings

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has harshly criticised the Tinubu administration, claiming that Nigeria diplomacy is now a side hustle, following delays in ambassadorial appointments and weak foreign representation.

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In a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC condemned the federal government’s failure to station ambassadors in major world capitals, particularly Washington D.C., describing it as a shameful abdication of responsibility.

“The United States Government’s travel advisory placing Nigeria on Level 3: ‘Reconsider Travel’ is a direct reflection of this government’s failure to protect citizens and uphold the country’s image abroad,” the party stated.

The advisory cited rising insecurity, crumbling healthcare, and poor emergency services. According to the statement, “Foreigners are being told to consider evacuation insurance before they arrive. We ask: what kind of country are we becoming?”

The Nigeria diplomacy side hustle claim follows reports that Nigeria still lacks accredited ambassadors in several major diplomatic capitals, even as five of the G7 nations have since changed leadership.

The ADC pointed out that Nigeria has failed to engage these governments on vital bilateral and investment matters.

“The most damaging part is that Nigeria has been voiceless in Washington D.C.—from where the damaging travel advisory originated,” said Abdullahi.

The party said it previously flagged the absence of Nigerian ambassadors, only to be met with what it described as “smug indifference” from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The ministry had cited ongoing reforms as justification, a reason the ADC dismissed as bureaucratic deflection.

“It is hard to see how this administration intends to correct the situation quickly when even the appointment process appears stalled,” the statement added. “This is what happens when a government treats diplomacy as a side hustle.”

ADC also criticised the administration’s claim of promoting merit and integrity in appointments, calling it inconsistent with its actual record.

“We are absent where we must be present. We are silent where we should be persuasive. We seem to be leaderless at home and invisible abroad,” the party stated.

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The Nigeria diplomacy side hustle allegation captures growing public frustration over the country’s diplomatic invisibility and mounting international reputational risks.