President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a new list of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation. The move aims to swiftly fill crucial diplomatic vacancies across Nigeria's missions worldwide.
High-Profile Nominees for Diplomatic Roles
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President's letter during Thursday's plenary session on 4 December 2025. The list features several prominent figures from Nigeria's political and military spheres.
The nominees include former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, who recently served as Sole Administrator of Rivers State. Also named are former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff, Abdulrahman Dambazau, and former presidential aide, Ita Enang. Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State, is also among the nominees.
President Tinubu specifically requested the Senate's expedited consideration of the list to facilitate the prompt filling of vacant diplomatic positions. Akpabio subsequently referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing the committee to conduct screenings and submit its report within one week.
Expanding the Diplomatic Corps
This latest submission comes less than a week after the President sent an initial batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate. That earlier list, announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, comprised 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees.
Notable names from the previous list include:
- Former INEC Chairman, Mahmud Yakubu.
- Former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
- Former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
- Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode.
- Former First Ladies Erelu Angela Adebayo (Ekiti) and Florence Ajimobi (Oyo).
The statement from the Presidency urged the Senate to act quickly, noting that confirmed nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains significant bilateral relations. These nations reportedly include:
- China, India, and South Korea.
- Canada, Mexico, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya.
Other postings will be to Nigeria's permanent missions at the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. Specific posting details will be finalized and released after Senate confirmation.
Composition and Strategic Appointments
The combined lists reflect a strategic blend of experienced career diplomats and politically appointed non-career ambassadors. Career ambassadors are trained Foreign Service professionals, while non-career appointees are often selected for their expertise, political acumen, or to fulfill strategic objectives.
The nominations also demonstrate a consideration for gender inclusion, featuring ten women—four career and six non-career nominees. The lists are populated by former governors, ministers, commissioners, and senators, indicating an intent to leverage high-level experience in diplomatic engagements.
President Tinubu has indicated that more ambassadorial nominations will follow, suggesting a comprehensive overhaul and strengthening of Nigeria's diplomatic representation abroad. Ambassadors serve as the President's direct representatives overseas and are tasked with overseeing Nigeria's interests and activities in their host countries.
