The Nigerian Senate has confirmed the appointment of 64 ambassadors nominated by the President to represent the country in various diplomatic missions across the world. The approval covers 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors. The confirmation followed weeks of screening by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The Senate President announced the approval during plenary after the committee presented its report. Lawmakers said the nominees were found suitable based on their experience, qualifications, and responses during the screening exercise. With the confirmation, Nigeria is set to fully restore its diplomatic presence in several countries where ambassadorial positions have been vacant for some time.
Ambassadors play a key role in Nigeria’s relations with other countries. They represent the nation’s interests abroad, promote trade and investment, protect Nigerians living overseas, and strengthen political and cultural ties. Career ambassadors are trained foreign service officers who have risen through the ranks of the diplomatic service. Non-career ambassadors, on the other hand, are often political appointees or individuals with strong public service backgrounds.
In recent years, Nigeria faced criticism for delays in appointing ambassadors, which affected its diplomatic engagement. Many foreign missions were left without substantive heads, relying instead on chargés d’affaires. The latest confirmation is seen as a major step toward improving Nigeria’s foreign policy and global image.
The 34 confirmed career ambassadors were drawn from different states of the federation, reflecting Nigeria’s federal character principle.
From Abia State, Ambassador Mwaobiola Ezeuwo Chukwuemeka was confirmed. Adamawa State is represented by Maimuna Ibrahim, while Anambra produced Enpeji Monica Okochukwu. Bauchi State has Ambassador Mohammed Mahmoud Lele, and Bayelsa State is represented by Endoni Sindup.
Borno State’s nominee is Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno. Cross River has Ambassador Jen Adams Ni Okun Michael, while Delta State is represented by Ambassador Clark Omeru Alexandra. Ebonyi State produced Chima J. Leoma Davies.
Edo State has two nominees: Oduma Yvonne Ehinose and Wasa Shogun Ige. Ekiti State is represented by Ambassador Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel, while Enugu has Ambassador Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley.
Jigawa State’s nominee is Ambassador Magaji Umar. Kaduna has Ambassador Mohammed Saidu Dahiru, while Kano is represented by Ambassador Abdul Salam Abus Zayat. Katsina State has two nominees: Ambassador Shehu and Ambassador Aminu Nasu.
From Kebbi State are Abubakar Musa Musa and Ambassador Haidara Mohammed Idris. Kogi State is represented by Ambassador Bako Adamu Umar, while Kwara has Ambassador Sulu Gambari.
Lagos State produced Ambassador Romata Mohammed Omobolanle. Nasarawa State is represented by Ambassador Shaga John Shama. Niger State has two nominees: Salau Hamza Mohammed and Ambassador Ibrahim Dan Lamy.
Ogun State’s nominee is Adjola Ibrahim Mopolola. Ondo State has Ruben Abimbola Samuel, while Osun is represented by Ambassador Akonde Wahab Adekola. Oyo State produced Ambassador Ariwani Adedokun Esther.
Plateau State’s nominee is Ambassador Gedagi Joseph John. Rivers State is represented by Ambassador Luther Obomode Ayokatata. Taraba State has Danladi Yakubu Yaku, while Zamfara State is represented by Bidu Dogondagi.
The Senate also confirmed 30 non-career ambassadors. These include former governors, ex-ministers, lawmakers, retired military officers, and political figures.
From Abia State are Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu and Barrister Ogbonnaya Kalu. Adamawa State is represented by Senator Grace Bent. Akwa Ibom produced Senator Eta Enang.
Anambra State’s nominee is Nkechi Linda Okocha. Bauchi State has Mahmoud Yakubu, while Bayelsa is represented by Philip K. Ikurusi. Benue State’s nominee is Paul Olga Adiku.
Cross River State produced retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas. Delta State’s nominee is Reno Omokri. Edo State is represented by Hon. Abbasi Brahma.
Ekiti State has two nominees: Erelu Angela Adebayo and Barrister Olumilua Oluwayemika. Enugu State’s nominee is Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwanyi. Imo State is represented by Barrister Mrs. Chioma Ohakim.
Kano State’s nominee is retired Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau. Katsina State produced Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari. Kogi State is represented by Alhaji Abubakar Sanusi Aliu.
From Lagos State is Olufemi Pedro. Nasarawa State’s nominee is Barrister Mohammed Obanduma Aliu. Ondo State has Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and Ambassador Joseph Yusuf Shara’aji.
Osun State is represented by Femi Fani-Kayode. Oyo State has Ajimobi Fatima Florence and Lola Akande. Plateau State produced Yakubu N. Gambo and Senator Professor Nora Ladi Daduut.
Rivers State’s nominee is Onweze Chukwudi. Sokoto State is represented by Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar. Taraba State’s nominee is Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe.
One name from Yobe State, Adamu Garba Tarba-Nagri, was also listed, although it was noted during Senate proceedings that he passed away in July this year. Lawmakers acknowledged the error and said appropriate corrections would be made.
During the debate, senators stressed the need for the new ambassadors to project Nigeria positively and defend national interests. They urged them to work toward attracting foreign investment, supporting Nigerian businesses abroad, and assisting citizens facing difficulties in foreign countries.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs said the nominees showed good understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy goals during screening. He added that the mix of career diplomats and experienced public figures would help strengthen Nigeria’s voice on the global stage.
Following Senate confirmation, the ambassadors are expected to receive their letters of credence and be posted to their respective countries. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also organize briefings to guide them on current foreign policy priorities.
