The Nigerian Senate on Thursday gave its approval to a sweeping list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, confirming a total of 64 career and non-career envoys to represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria abroad.
The confirmations, following a comprehensive vetting process by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, were formally adopted on the floor of the Senate after the committee presented its report. Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger North), Chairman of the Committee, told lawmakers that all nominees were thoroughly screened and found suitable for diplomatic service, with their nominations deemed compliant with applicable laws and procedural guidelines.
Among the 34 career ambassadors approved are seasoned diplomats and public servants drawn from across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Notable career appointments include: Ambassador Nwaobiala Ezenwa Chukwuemeka (Abia), Betso Maimunah Ibrahim (Adamawa), Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi (Anambra), Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele (Bauchi), Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Ambassador Adams Jane Bassey (Cross River), Ambassador Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ambassador Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos)…and several others whose diplomatic postings are expected to cover strategic missions worldwide.
In the non-career category, the Senate confirmed prominent political figures, former public office holders and technocrats, including: Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation and political strategist, Mr Reno Omokri, former presidential aide and media commentator, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Senator Ita S.J. Enang, former Senate Minority Leader, Dr Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, ex-Governor of Abia State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.), former Chief of Naval Staff, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.), former Minister of Defence, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, former lawmaker and businessman, Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health, Chief Olufemi Pedro, ex-Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, ex-Governor of Enugu State…along with Mrs. Ajimobi Fatima Florence, Senator Grace Bent, Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Dadu’ut, Dr Yakubu N. Gambo and others.
President Tinubu had transmitted a total of 65 ambassadorial nominations to the Senate. However, Adamu Garba Talba Nangree, the nominee from Yobe State, was not confirmed on Thursday after failing to appear for his scheduled screening. The committee indicated plans to reschedule his screening at a later date.
After adopting the Committee’s report, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declared the nominees confirmed and urged them to uphold the dignity of Nigeria’s foreign service. He emphasized that the newly-minted envoys must project a positive image of the country in their assigned countries and international organizations.
The appointments form part of a larger diplomatic reshuffle aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s global engagement and reinforcing bilateral relations with key partners across the world. While specific postings for many appointees are yet to be publicly announced, the Senate’s action clears the way for their deployment to missions in major capitals and multilateral institutions.
