The Federal Government has commenced the vetting of nominees for ambassadorial postings to its 109 foreign missions, which include 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates across the world.
According to The Punch, among those reportedly undergoing the security clearance process are former Minister of Aviation under the Obasanjo administration, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro.
Also, sources familiar with the process revealed that the Department of State Services (DSS) has begun background checks on the nominees. Unlike past practices, the vetting is not being carried out centrally. Instead, individuals are being directed to DSS offices closest to their locations.
“They’re already doing security checks with DSS. Once they are cleared, we’ll release the list,” a senior official at the Presidency disclosed under anonymity, noting that the full list of cleared nominees is expected before the end of April.
Another source confirmed that nominees have been asked to submit their personal, educational, and career records for the vetting process. “It’s based on nominee locations. They are reaching out to the DSS offices nearby to provide the necessary documents, such as schools attended and public offices previously held.”
