President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate, seeking their confirmation for crucial diplomatic postings abroad. This move comes less than a week after the President submitted an initial batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees, indicating a swift push to fill vacant positions in Nigeria's foreign missions.
High-Profile Nominees and Urgent Senate Request
During the Senate plenary session on Thursday, 4 December 2025, Senate President Godswill Akpabio read President Tinubu's letter containing the new nominations. The President specifically requested expedited consideration to facilitate the prompt filling of key diplomatic posts that are currently vacant.
The latest list features several prominent figures from Nigeria's political and military spheres. Notable nominees include the immediate past Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, and former Minister of Interior and former Chief of Army Staff, Abdulrahman Dambazau. Other high-profile names are former presidential aide Ita Enang and former Imo State First Lady, Chioma Ohakim.
Senate President Akpabio has referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. The committee has been directed to complete its work and submit a report within one week, underscoring the urgency of the matter.
Expanding the Diplomatic Corps: Full List of Nominees
This new list expands on the comprehensive roster of ambassadors released earlier. The previous list, announced by Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga, comprised 15 career and 17 non-career nominees. It included notable individuals such as former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu and former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The non-career nominees from the combined lists are a mix of former governors, ministers, and other distinguished persons:
- Erelu Angela Adebayo (former Ekiti State First Lady)
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (former Enugu State Governor)
- Otunba Femi Pedro (former Lagos Deputy Governor)
- Femi Fani-Kayode (former Aviation Minister)
- Florence Ajimobi (former Oyo State First Lady)
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
- Professor Nora Ladi Daduut
The career ambassador-designates are seasoned diplomats from the Foreign Service, representing various states. They include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), and others from across the federation.
Strategic Postings and Next Steps
The ambassadorial nominees are expected to be deployed to nations where Nigeria maintains significant bilateral relations. Key postings highlighted include China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, South Africa, and Kenya. Others will be assigned to Nigeria's permanent missions at international bodies like the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union.
The Presidency has emphasized that the final posting details will be released only after the Senate confirms the nominees. The list also demonstrates a consideration for gender balance, featuring ten women—four career and six non-career nominees.
Ambassadors serve as the President's direct representatives overseas, overseeing Nigeria's interests and activities in their host countries. While career ambassadors are professional diplomats, non-career appointees are often selected for their strategic expertise and political acumen. President Tinubu has indicated that even more ambassadorial nominations are forthcoming, signaling a major overhaul of the nation's diplomatic representation.
