ABUJA, Nigeria (Chatnewstv.com) — President Bola Tinubu has sent the names of 32 new ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, days after submitting an initial batch of three names. The nominees, split into career and non-career categories, feature several notable political figures and former officials.
In two separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the confirmation of 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadors.
The non-career list includes prominent names such as former presidential aide Reno Omokri (Delta), former Ekiti first lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Other notable nominees are former INEC Chairman Mahmud Yakubu, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun), and former Lagos Deputy Governor Otunba Femi Pedro.
The full list of non-career designates also features:
Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)
Tasiu Musa Maigari, former speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly
Yakubu N. Gambo, former Commissioner in Plateau State and former deputy executive secretary of UBEC
Nora Ladi Daduut, a former senator from Plateau
Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra)
Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State
Lola Akande, former Lagos Commissioner
Grace Bent, former Adamawa Senator
Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman, lawyer, and Senator from Ondo State
Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue), former ambassador of Nigeria to the Holy See
Ten women are included across both lists: four among the career nominees and six among the non-career nominees.
The career ambassador and high commissioner-designates include:
Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia)
Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba)
Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa)
Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi)
Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa)
Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi)
Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun)
Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo)
Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo)
Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger)
Shehu Barde (Katsina)
Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno)
Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)
Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara)
Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun)
Strategic Diplomatic Postings Expected
The new nominees are anticipated to be posted to nations maintaining “excellent and strategic bilateral relations” with Nigeria, such as China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and South Africa, as well as Permanent Missions like the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union. The specific diplomatic assignments will be finalized after the Senate confirms the nominees.
Second Batch of Appointments
This marks the second batch of ambassadorial nominations from the President. Last week, Tinubu sent three names—Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun)—for screening. These three are reportedly being considered for postings to key missions in the UK, USA, or France.
A presidential aide, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the process publicly, indicated the administration is focused on strengthening its diplomatic presence.
“The President is moving swiftly to ensure our foreign policy architecture is fully staffed with experienced hands,” the aide said. “These nominations reflect a balance of professional diplomats and politically experienced individuals who can represent Nigeria’s interests globally.”
President Tinubu has also indicated that more nominees for ambassadorial positions will be announced soon.
