See Final Ambassadorial Nominees List Tinubu Sent to Senate for Approval and Fresh Nominations

Tinubu Sends Fresh Ambassadorial List to Senate, Seeks Swift Confirmation

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded a new list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, calling for urgent legislative approval to accelerate Nigeria’s diplomatic appointments.

The correspondence from the Presidency was read aloud on Thursday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during plenary. It arrived just a day after lawmakers began screening an earlier set of three nominees for foreign postings.

According to the letter, Tinubu is seeking confirmation for 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees who are expected to serve as ambassadors and high commissioners in key foreign missions.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation the list of the 32 ambassadorial nominees,” the President wrote, urging senators to “consider and confirm expeditiously” those selected.

Notable Political Appointees Included

Several high-profile figures feature among the non-career nominees. They include former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and ex-Lagos deputy governor Otunba Femi Pedro.

The list also reflects a gradual push for gender inclusion. There are four women among the career diplomats and six women among the political nominees, in line with what the administration describes as a broader effort to improve representation in Nigeria’s foreign service.

Full List of Non-Career Ambassadorial Nominees

Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)
Reno Omokri (Delta)
Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi)
Erelu Bisi Angela Adebayo (Ekiti)
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)
Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina)
Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau)
Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau)
Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos)
Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)
Barr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra)
Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo)
Lola Akande (Lagos)
Grace Bent (Adamawa)
Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)
Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue)

Full List of Career Ambassadorial Nominees

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)

Screening Process Ongoing

Akpabio referred the fresh list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, directing it to conclude screening within one week.

“The committee is to report back to us in one week,” he said.

The development comes as senators continue reviewing the first batch of nominees earlier sent by the President. According to Punch and other national outlets, former Director-General of the State Security Service Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu and Ayodele Oke had already appeared before the committee chaired by Senator Sani Bello.

During his session, Oke reportedly addressed allegations previously raised about him and insisted he was fit for diplomatic duty.

Context: Rebuilding Nigeria’s Foreign Service

Analysts say the staggered submission of nominees suggests a phased approach to restoring Nigeria’s representation abroad, as several missions have been without substantive ambassadors since the previous administration recalled envoys in 2023.

Diplomatic experts have also urged the Senate to prioritise capacity, experience and geopolitical strategy as it reviews Tinubu’s picks.

The committee’s preliminary report on the first three nominees is expected in the coming days, while scrutiny of the new list begins immediately.