Tinubu Sends 32 Additional Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate for Confirmation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a new batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, intensifying efforts to fill Nigeria’s diplomatic posts after recalling the country’s envoys in 2023. The latest submission, transmitted in two separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, comes just days after the President sent the first set of three nominees.
The fresh list comprises 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadors, bringing the total number of nominees so far to 35. The President urged the Senate to give the nominees “expeditious consideration,” underscoring the urgency of restoring Nigeria’s full diplomatic representation across key global capitals.
The nominees include 10 women, marking an increased attempt at gender inclusion within the nation’s diplomatic corps. Four women feature among the career ambassadorial picks, while six are on the non-career list.
High-Profile Names Dominate Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees
President Tinubu’s non-career list features a blend of familiar politicians, technocrats, and former government officials.
Among the notable nominees is Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia), a former presidential aide, alongside Reno Omokri (Delta), a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a well-known political commentator.
Also on the list is Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the recently retired Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), nominated as a non-career ambassador after supervising two national election cycles.
Other prominent nominees include:
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Governor of Enugu State
- Erelu Angela Adebayo, former First Lady of Ekiti State
- Tasiu Musa Maigari, former Speaker of the Katsina House of Assembly
- Yakubu N. Gambo, former Plateau State Commissioner and UBEC deputy executive secretary
- Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut, former Senator from Plateau
- Otunba Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State
- Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister
- Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu, prominent politician from Anambra
- Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State
- Lola Akande, former Lagos State Commissioner
- Grace Bent, former Senator from Adamawa State
- Victor Okezie Ikpeazu, former Governor of Abia State
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, businessman and serving Senator from Ondo State
- Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu, former envoy to the Vatican
These appointments reflect a mixture of political patronage and strategic representation, drawing from individuals with extensive public-sector experience.
Career Diplomats Also Receive Nominations
The President also submitted 15 names for career ambassador and high commissioner-designates, many of whom have risen through the ranks of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
They 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)
- Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina)
- Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno)
- Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)
- Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara)
- Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun)
These diplomats are expected to bring professional foreign-service experience to Nigeria’s missions abroad, particularly as the country repositions itself on the global stage.
Nigeria Prepares to Refill Vacant Missions Abroad
According to the State House, the newly nominated ambassadors—once confirmed—will be deployed to “strategic bilateral and multilateral missions” including:
- China
- India
- South Korea
- Canada
- Mexico
- United Arab Emirates
- Qatar
- South Africa
- Kenya
- United Nations
- UNESCO
- African Union
These postings are considered crucial to Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic diplomacy agenda, especially in the areas of trade, security cooperation, migration, and investment.
Earlier Nominees Await Senate Confirmation
Last week, President Tinubu submitted the first list of three high-profile nominees:
- Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo)
- Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa)
- Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun)
Reports suggest the trio may be posted to some of the most influential foreign missions—London, Washington, and Paris—once confirmed.
Background: Why These Appointments Matter
Since taking office in 2023, President Tinubu has not had substantive ambassadors representing Nigeria abroad. In September 2023, he recalled all ambassadors from over 100 missions in what was described as a “comprehensive foreign-service reform.”
Most missions have since been operating under chargé d’affaires with limited authority, affecting diplomatic engagements, consular services, and bilateral negotiations.
The new nominations therefore signal the beginning of a long-awaited rebuilding of Nigeria’s diplomatic presence.
More Nominations Expected
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga, who issued the statement on Friday, confirmed that more ambassadorial nominations will be announced soon, suggesting that the final list may exceed 50 envoys.
Political analysts say this round of appointments will shape the foreign policy direction of the Tinubu administration and determine how Nigeria positions itself in an increasingly competitive global environment.
With 32 new nominees and more expected, the President appears ready to restore Nigeria’s global diplomatic footprint after a prolonged vacuum. The Senate is expected to begin screening the nominees in the coming days, paving the way for their deployment to key countries and international organisations.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
Information & Strategy
November 29, 2025
