The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has issued a scathing critique of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over what it describes as the government’s failure in foreign policy and international diplomacy, following the latest travel advisory issued by the United States.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC described the U.S. Level 3 ‘Reconsider Travel’ advisory on Nigeria as a “national humiliation,” pointing to it as evidence of growing insecurity and crumbling infrastructure under the current government.
“This is another public indictment of the Tinubu administration’s failure to govern,” the statement read. “The U.S. explicitly mentioned the collapse of Nigeria’s healthcare, infrastructure, and the inability of our government to guarantee even the most basic emergency services.”
According to the advisory, U.S. citizens are being urged to reconsider travel to Nigeria due to concerns over crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and poor medical infrastructure, warning that many medications are unavailable and recommending evacuation insurance before visiting.
The ADC also criticised the lack of Nigerian ambassadors in key global capitals, particularly Washington D.C., where the travel advisory originated. The party described the prolonged absence of diplomatic representation as a sign of negligence and a failure of leadership.
“What makes this situation even more shameful is that Nigeria currently has no accredited ambassador in Washington D.C. Not even during the civil war did Nigeria leave critical diplomatic posts vacant for this long,” the party stated.
The ADC accused the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of trivialising the issue, hiding behind the excuse of “reforms” despite earlier confirmations that a list of ambassadorial nominees had already been submitted for presidential approval.
“At a time when our global image is under assault and foreign confidence in our systems is plummeting, Nigeria is voiceless at the world’s most important tables,” the party said. “This is what happens when a government treats diplomacy as a side hustle.”
The ADC warned that the diplomatic vacuum is costing Nigeria valuable opportunities, noting that five of the G7 countries have changed their leadership since Nigeria recalled its ambassadors in October 2023, with no replacements appointed to engage new administrations.
The party also challenged the administration’s stated commitment to merit-based appointments, arguing that its past record contradicts such claims. “If this administration truly believes in competence, then let it prove it by doing the work, not offering excuses,” the statement added.
The ADC concluded by calling on the Tinubu administration to urgently address the gaps in Nigeria’s foreign policy engagement and restore the country’s voice and presence on the global stage.
“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 declared.
