President Bola Tinubu has approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors-designate to Nigerian missions across the world in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s diplomatic engagements and international partnerships.
The appointments include 31 non-career (political) ambassadors and 34 career diplomats.
According to a statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the envoys were earlier screened and confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun the process of preparing the envoys for their assignments, including organising an induction programme ahead of their deployment to their respective countries.
The Presidency also disclosed that some host countries have already granted diplomatic consent, known as agrément, which is required before ambassadors can assume duty.
Among them, the United Kingdom has approved the appointment of Aminu Dalhatu as Nigeria’s High Commissioner, while France has granted approval for Ayodele Oke to serve as Nigeria’s ambassador.
The ministry has also forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host nations for the required diplomatic clearance.
Tinubu directed the foreign affairs ministry to immediately commence orientation and briefing sessions for the ambassadors-designate before they depart for their various postings.
Several prominent political figures and former public officials are among those appointed as non-career ambassadors.
They include former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Mahmud Yakubu, who has been posted to Qatar, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri, assigned to Mexico.
Others on the list are former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who will serve in China, and former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, posted to Germany.
Former Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole has been assigned to Canada, while former Lagos Deputy Governor Olufemi Pedro will represent Nigeria in Australia.
Former lawmaker Jimoh Ibrahim will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Other political appointees include Grace Bent (Togo), Ita Enang (South Africa), Ibok‑Ete Ekwe Ibas (Philippines), Angela Adebayo (Portugal), and Nora Ladi Daduut (South Korea).
The list also features experienced diplomats from the foreign service who will head several Nigerian missions abroad.
Among them are Mohammed Mahmud Lele, posted to Algeria; Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Egypt; Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal; and Ibrahim Danlami to Kenya.
Others include Bako Adamu Umar (Morocco), Romata Mohammed Omobolanle (Tanzania), Akande Wahab Adekola (Switzerland), and Bello Dogon‑Daji Haliru (Thailand).
The Presidency said the new postings are part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation, improve bilateral cooperation with other nations, and advance the country’s economic and strategic interests globally.
The ambassadors-designate are expected to complete their induction programme before departing for their respective missions.
