President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken a significant step in strengthening Nigeria's international representation by forwarding thirty-two ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. This major diplomatic move comes just days after the President submitted an initial batch of three names for consideration.
Presidential Letters to Senate
In two separate communications addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu formally requested the expedited confirmation of the nominees. The list comprises fifteen career ambassadors and seventeen non-career ambassadors, reflecting a balanced approach to diplomatic appointments.
Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, confirmed the development through his official X account, revealing that the gender distribution includes four women among career ambassadors and six women among non-career ambassadors.
Prominent Figures Among Nominees
The non-career ambassadorial nominations feature several high-profile personalities from various sectors. Notable names include former presidential aide Reno Omokri from Delta State and former aviation minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode from Osun State.
Other distinguished nominees include former INEC chairman Mahmud Yakubu, former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Ekiti State first lady Erelu Angela Adebayo. The list also features former Lagos State deputy governor Otunba Femi Pedro and former Abia State governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Additional prominent figures nominated include former Oyo State first lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State, and former ambassador to the Holy See Paul Oga Adikwu from Benue State.
Career Diplomats and Strategic Postings
The career ambassador nominees represent experienced diplomats from across Nigeria's states. The list includes Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu from Abia, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi from Taraba, and Miamuna Ibrahim Besto from Adamawa, among others.
According to official statements, the newly appointed ambassadors are expected to be deployed to strategic countries and international organizations where Nigeria maintains vital relationships. Potential postings include China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya, as well as Permanent Missions to the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union.
All specific postings will be finalized and announced following successful Senate confirmation of the nominees. Onanuga further indicated that President Tinubu plans to announce additional ambassadorial nominees in the near future, emphasizing the administration's commitment to enhancing Nigeria's global diplomatic presence and strengthening international partnerships.
This latest development follows last week's submission of three other nominees: Ambassador Ayodele Oke from Oyo State, Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, who are being considered for postings to the United Kingdom, United States, or France.
