The Nigerian Senate has given its official nod to a significant list of diplomatic appointments, confirming a total of 65 individuals as ambassadors-designate. The confirmation, which took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, includes several prominent political figures and former public officials.
High-Profile Names Get Diplomatic Nod
Among the most notable names confirmed are Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). His inclusion marks a major transition from overseeing the nation's electoral process to representing its interests abroad.
Also on the list is Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and a vocal political commentator. Similarly, Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and social media influencer, secured confirmation for a non-career ambassadorial role.
The list comprises a mix of career diplomats and political appointees. Specifically, the Senate confirmed 34 career ambassadors and 31 non-career ambassadors, reflecting a blend of professional foreign service officers and individuals recognized for their contributions in other fields.
Breakdown of Non-Career Appointees
The non-career category features a roster of former governors, senators, and other distinguished personalities. Key confirmations in this group include:
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Governor of Enugu State.
- Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State.
- Ibok-Ete Ibas, a former Sole Administrator of Rivers State.
- Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, currently representing Ondo South.
- Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late former Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
- Grace Bent, a former Senator from Adamawa State.
Other significant non-career confirmations are former Minister of Interior, General Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd), and former Senator Ita Enang from Akwa Ibom State.
Senate Plenary and Voting Process
The confirmation was announced by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, during the day's plenary session. The approval followed the presentation and consideration of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello.
The majority of senators endorsed the committee's report through a voice vote when the Senate convened as a Committee of the Whole. This process signifies a broad consensus among the lawmakers on the suitability of the nominees.
The career ambassadors confirmed include experienced foreign service officers such as Nwaobiala Chukwuemeka, Ahmed Sulu-Gambari, Ramat Omobolanle, and Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola, among others. Their appointments are based on years of service within the diplomatic corps.
Implications for Nigeria's Foreign Service
This mass confirmation represents one of the largest single batches of ambassadorial appointments in recent years. It is expected to lead to a major reshuffle in Nigeria's diplomatic missions across the world.
The blend of seasoned career diplomats with politically exposed non-career appointees is a traditional practice, aiming to balance technical expertise with broader political representation. The successful nominees will now await posting to specific countries by the Presidency.
The confirmation underscores the Senate's role in the checks and balances of Nigeria's appointment process for critical diplomatic positions. All eyes will now be on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Presidency to deploy these ambassadors to strategic global posts.
