President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the names of 32 new ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, days after sending an initial batch of three nominees for diplomatic postings.
In two separate letters addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu requested the lawmakers to urgently consider and confirm 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career nominees.
The list reflects a notable gender representation, with four women among the career diplomats and six women on the non-career list, signaling a commitment to inclusivity in Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
Prominent among the non-career nominees is Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu, a former presidential aide from Abia State, alongside Reno Omokri of Delta State, known for his public commentary and activism.
Also on the non-career list is former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Mahmud Yakubu, whose experience is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s international representation.
The nominations further include former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Enugu Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, showcasing a blend of political and professional expertise.
Tasiu Musa Maigari, former Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, and Yakubu N. Gambo, ex-Commissioner in Plateau State and former Deputy Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), are also nominated.
Former Plateau Senator, Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, and ex-Lagos Deputy Governor, Otunba Femi Pedro, bring legislative and executive experience to the diplomatic table.
Veteran politician Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister, and Barrister Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu of Anambra State are among the notable faces on the non-career ambassadorial list.
The list also includes former Oyo First Lady, Fatima Florence Ajimobi; ex-Lagos Commissioner, Lola Akande; former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent; and former Abia Governor, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.
Senator and businessman Jimoh Ibrahim from Ondo State, alongside Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu, Nigeria’s former envoy to the Holy See, complete the distinguished list of non-career nominees.
Career ambassadorial nominees feature Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), and Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), among others, reflecting the government’s commitment to professional diplomacy.
Others in the career list include Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi), and Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun).
The remaining nominees are 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), and Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun).
The new batch of nominees is expected to be posted to strategic diplomatic missions in countries including China, India, South Korea, Canada, Mexico, the UAE, Qatar, South Africa, Kenya, and international organisations such as the UN, UNESCO, and the African Union.
Earlier, President Tinubu had forwarded three ambassadorial nominees — Ambassador Ayodele Oke (Oyo), Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Retired Colonel Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun) — who are being considered for postings to the United Kingdom, United States, or France.
The Presidency confirmed that additional ambassadorial nominees would be announced in subsequent rounds as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign relations.