President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation, intensifying efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign diplomatic presence.
The nomination request was transmitted to the upper chamber on Thursday, barely a day after senators began screening an earlier batch of three nominees. The President urged lawmakers to treat the new request with urgency.
The presidential letter, which was read during plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, disclosed that the latest nominations comprise 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career envoys, covering ambassadorial and high commissioner positions.
According to the letter, the President formally requested the Senate to give the nominees prompt consideration in line with constitutional provisions.
Gender Representation Improves
Out of the 32 nominees, ten women were included—four among career diplomats and six on the non-career list—reflecting the administration’s gradual move toward improved gender inclusion in diplomatic appointments.
Prominent Political Figures on Non-Career List
The non-career nominees feature several high-profile political personalities and former public office holders, including:
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Reno Omokri (Delta)
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Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi)
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Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos)
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Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)
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Former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
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Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)
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Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)
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Fatima Ajimobi (Oyo)
Others on the list represent states across the federation, reflecting a wide regional spread.
Career Diplomats Named
Those nominated from the career service include seasoned foreign service officers such as:
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Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina)
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Ambassador Ahmed Monguno (Borno)
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Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)
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Ambassador Olatunji Gambari (Kwara)
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Ambassador Wahab Akande (Osun)
Also included are professional diplomats from Abia, Taraba, Adamawa, Kebbi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, and Niger states.
Senate Assigns One-Week Screening Deadline
Following the announcement, Senate President Akpabio referred the entire list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and directed the panel to conclude its screening and submit its report within one week.
Earlier Three Nominees Already Under Review
The Senate had earlier begun screening three initial nominees sent by the President last week:
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Kayode Are (Ogun)
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Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa)
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Ayodele Oke (Oyo)
During the screening session, Ayodele Oke reportedly addressed and clarified allegations previously linked to his name.
The committee’s report on the earlier nominees is expected to be presented to the full Senate for possible confirmation even as work begins on the newly submitted list.
