President Bola Tinubu. Photo credit: State House
In a move that could reshape Nigeria’s diplomatic landscape, President Bola Tinubu has submitted a fresh list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The roster includes 34 career diplomats and 31 non-career nominees, signalling a blend of experience, political influence, and strategic appointments.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the president’s letter during plenary on Thursday, formally kickstarting the confirmation process.
The non-career list is packed with well-known national figures. Among them are former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri. Also nominated are Senator Ita Enang, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chioma Ohakim, Bello Danbazau, retired naval chief Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, and businessman-politician Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
The Senate has referred the list to its Committee on Foreign Affairs, which now has one week to screen the nominees and present its report.
With this latest batch, the total number of ambassadorial nominees before the Senate rises to 68, as three earlier candidates — Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke — have already undergone screening.
The coming days will reveal how the Senate evaluates this diverse lineup, and what Nigeria’s next phase of diplomatic representation will look like.
