NEWS
Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Appointments, Approves 34 Career and 30 Non-Career Envoys in Major Diplomatic Reshuffle
The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 64 ambassadorial nominees, comprising 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career ambassadors, marking a significant step in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across the world.
The confirmation followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, after the nominees were screened and found suitable for the assignments based on their qualifications, experience, and service records.
The approved list reflects a broad national spread, drawing nominees from across the 36 states of the federation and reinforcing the federal character principle in Nigeria’s foreign service.
34 CAREER AMBASSADORS CONFIRMED:
The Senate approved the appointment of the following career ambassadors:
From Abia, Ambassador Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka was confirmed. Adamawa produced Maimuna Ibrahim, while Anambra is represented by Enpeji Monica Okochukwu. Bauchi’s nominee is Ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud Lele, and Bayelsa is represented by Endoni Sindup. Borno’s slot went to Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno.
Cross River will be represented by Ambassador Jen Adams Ni Okun Michael, Delta by Ambassador Clark Omeru Alexandra, and Ebonyi by Chima J. Leoma Davies. Edo State has two nominees: Oduma Yvonne Ehinose and Wasa Shogun Ige. Ekiti is represented by Ambassador Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel, while Enugu’s nominee is Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley.
Others include Ambassador Magaji Umar from Jigawa; Ambassador Mohammed Saidu Dahiru from Kaduna; Ambassador Abdul Salam Abus Zayat from Kano; and two nominees from Katsina — Ambassador Shehu and Ambassador Aminu Nasu. Kebbi also has two nominees: Abubakar Musa Musa and Ambassador Haidara Mohammed Idris.
Kogi’s nominee is Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar, Kwara’s is Ambassador Sulu Gambari, and Lagos is represented by Ambassador Romata Mohammed Omobolanle. Nasarawa’s nominee is Ambassador Shaga John Shama.
Niger State has two career ambassadors — Salau Hamza Mohammed and Ambassador Ibrahim Dan Lamy. Ogun is represented by Adjola Ibrahim Mopolola, Ondo by Ruben Abimbola Samuel, Osun by Ambassador Akonde Wahab Adekola, and Oyo by Ambassador Ariwani Adedokun Esther.
Plateau’s nominee is Ambassador Gedagi Joseph John, Rivers is represented by Ambassador Luther Obomode Ayokatata, Taraba by Danladi Yakubu Yaku, and Zamfara by Bidu Dogondagi.
30 NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS APPROVED:
The Senate also confirmed 30 non-career ambassadors, drawn largely from politics, public service, and professional backgrounds.
From Abia State, Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu and Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu were approved. Adamawa’s nominee is Senator Grace Bent, while Akwa Ibom is represented by Senator Eta Enang. Anambra’s nominee is Nkechi Linda Okocha, and Bauchi’s is Mahmoud Yakubu.
Bayelsa will be represented by Philip K. Ikurusi, Benue by Paul Olga Adiku, and Cross River by Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas (rtd.). Delta State’s nominee is Reno Omokri, while Edo is represented by Hon. Abbasi Brahma.
Ekiti has two nominees — Erelu Angela Adebayo and Barrister Olumilua Oluwayemika. Enugu’s nominee is Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi, while Imo is represented by Barrister Mrs. Chioma Ohakim.
Kano’s slot went to Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (rtd.), Katsina to Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari, and Kogi to Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliu. Lagos is represented by Olufemi Pedro, and Nasarawa by Barrister Mohammed Obanduma Aliu.
Ondo has two nominees — Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, PhD, and Ambassador Joseph Yusuf Shara’aji. Osun’s nominee is Femi Fani-Kayode. Oyo produced Ajimobi Fatima Florence and Lola Akande.
Plateau’s nominees are Yakubu N. Gambo and Senator Professor Nora Ladi Daduut. Rivers is represented by Onweze Chukwudi, Sokoto by Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar, and Taraba by Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe.
NAME DROPPED FROM FINAL LIST:
The Senate clarified that the name of Adamu Garba Tarba-Nagri from Yobe State, initially listed as a nominee, was dropped following confirmation that he passed away in July. As a result, the final number of confirmed ambassadors stands at 64.
With the confirmation concluded, the newly appointed ambassadors are expected to be deployed to their respective diplomatic missions, where they will represent Nigeria’s interests, strengthen bilateral relations, and advance the country’s foreign policy objectives on the global stage.