The Nigerian Senate has officially given its approval to a list of sixty-seven individuals nominated by President Bola Tinubu to serve as ambassadors. The confirmation, which took place on December 22, 2025, covers both career diplomats and non-career appointees, setting the stage for a significant diplomatic reshuffle in 2026.
Thorough Screening and Committee Approval
The confirmation followed a comprehensive screening process conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello. Presenting the committee's report to the plenary, Senator Bello stated that all nominees who appeared for screening were found suitable for their proposed diplomatic assignments.
No petitions or adverse security reports were lodged against any of the confirmed nominees during the exercise. The committee meticulously examined the credentials, experience, and competence of each candidate before arriving at its positive recommendation.
However, one nominee from Yobe State was excluded from the final confirmed list for failing to appear before the committee for the mandatory screening.
Prominent Names on the Confirmed List
The confirmed list features a mix of seasoned bureaucrats, former political office holders, and notable public figures. Among the high-profile non-career ambassadorial nominees are Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and Reno Omokri, a well-known author and social commentator.
Other notable confirmations include former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.); and former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu. The list also includes former senators, federal lawmakers, and state first ladies, such as Florence Ajimobi, the widow of former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Breakdown of Career and Non-Career Ambassadors
The total of 67 nominees is split between 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors, with three individuals from an earlier batch having been cleared previously. The career ambassadors are professional diplomats drawn from the foreign service, representing various states across the federation.
The non-career list is dominated by political appointees, reflecting a blend of technocratic and political considerations in the diplomatic postings. The Senate also confirmed an earlier batch that included Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Muhammad Dalhatu from Jigawa, and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.
Deployment and Next Steps for New Envoys
With the Senate's constitutional role of confirmation now complete, the newly-appointed ambassadors are expected to proceed to their respective countries of assignment in the year 2026. The confirmation paves the way for formal letters of credence to be issued, after which the ambassadors will begin their duties representing Nigeria's interests abroad.
This major diplomatic exercise is seen as a key step in President Tinubu's foreign policy agenda, aiming to position experienced and influential Nigerians in strategic global capitals to advance the nation's economic and political interests.
