In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s global diplomatic ties, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career ambassadors and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and international organisations, including the United Nations. This follows the confirmation of these diplomats by the Nigerian Senate in December of the previous year.
The appointed diplomats are set to represent Nigeria in diverse locations, contributing to foreign relations, economic diplomacy, and global image.
Non-Career Ambassadors / High Commissioners
Non-career ambassadors, often appointed based on political considerations or notable contributions to national service, play an essential role in representing Nigeria in key diplomatic posts across the globe.
The following individuals have been approved by President Tinubu for posting as non-career ambassadors:
-
Senator Grace Bent – Togo (Lome)
-
Senator Ita Enang – South Africa
-
Ikpeazu Victor – Spain
-
Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu – Israel (Tel Aviv)
-
Mahmud Yakubu – Qatar
-
Paul Oga Adikwu – Vatican City, Holy See
-
Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas – Philippines
-
Reno Omokri – Mexico City, Mexico
-
Hon. (Engr.) Abasi Braimah (FMHR) – Budapest, Hungary
-
Mrs. Erelu Angela Adebayo – Portugal
-
Barr. Olumilua Oluwayimika Ayotunwa – Tokyo, Japan
-
Rt. Hon. Ugwuanyi Ifeanyi Lawrence – Athens, Greece
-
Barr. Chioma Priscilla Ohakim – Warsaw, Poland
-
Aminu Dalhatu – United Kingdom (UK)
-
Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – Beijing, China
-
Hon. Tasiu Musa Maigari – Gambia
-
Olufemi Pedro – Australia
-
Barr. Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu – Argentina
-
Lateef Kayode Are – USA
-
Amb. Joseph Sola Iji – Russia
-
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – United Nations Permanent Representative
-
Femi Fani-Kayode – Germany
-
Prof. Isaak Folorunso Adewole – Ottawa, Canada
-
Ajimobi Fatima Florence – Austria
-
Mrs. Lola Akande – Sweden
-
Ayodele Oke – France
-
Yakubu N. Gambo – Saudi Arabia
-
Senator Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut – Seoul, South Korea
-
Barr. Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha SAN – Dublin, Ireland
-
Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar – Tunis, Tunisia
-
Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe – Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (T&T)
These appointments signify a strategic selection of individuals with diverse backgrounds, ranging from former lawmakers, military officers, and political figures to professionals and advocates with significant international influence.
Career Ambassadors/High Commissioners
Career ambassadors, who are often senior diplomats in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, represent Nigeria in various international settings. Their appointments are grounded in their long-standing careers in the diplomatic service.
Below is the list of career ambassadors approved by President Tinubu:
-
Amb. Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka – Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)
-
Besto Maimuna Ibrahim – Niamey, Niger
-
Monica Okwuchukwu Enebichi – Sao Tome, Sao Tome and Principe
-
Amb. Mohammed Mahmud Lele – Algiers, Algeria
-
Endoni Syndoph Paebi – Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
-
Ahmed Mohammed Monguno – Cairo, Egypt
-
Amb. Jane Adams (Nee Okon) Michael (F) – Kingston, Jamaica
-
Amb. Clark-Omeru Alexandra (F) – Lusaka, Zambia
-
Chima Geoggrey Lioma David – Bamako, Mali
-
Amb. Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen – Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
-
Amb. Wasa Segun Ige – Beirut, Lebanon
-
Ruben Abimbola Samuel (F) – Rome, Italy
-
Amb. Onaga Ogechukwu Kingsley – Maputo, Mozambique
-
Amb. Magaji Umar – Kinshasa, DR Congo
-
Amb. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru – New Delhi, India
-
Amb. Abdussalam Habu Zayyad – Dakar, Senegal
-
Amb. Shehu Ilu Barde – Accra, Ghana
-
Amb. Aminu Nasir – Ethiopia
-
Abubakar Musa Musa – N’Djamena, Chad
-
Amb. Haidara Mohammed Idris – The Hague, Netherlands
-
Amb. Bako Adamu Umar – Rabat, Morocco
-
Amb. Sulu Gambari Olatunji Ahmed – Malaysia
-
Amb. Romata Mohammed Omobolanle (F) – Tanzania
-
Amb. Shaga John Shamah – Botswana
-
Salau, Hamza Mohammed – Tehran, Iran
-
Amb. Ibrahim Danlami – Kenya
-
Ibrahim Adeola Mopelola (F) – Cotonou, Benin
-
Amb. Ayeni Adebayo Emmanuel – Brussels, Belgium
-
Amb. Akande Wahab Adekola – Berne, Switzerland
-
Amb. Arewa (Nee Adedokun) Esther (F) – Windhoek, Namibia
-
Amb. Gergadi Joseph John – Libreville, Gabon
-
Amb. Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata (F) – Sierra Leone
-
Danladi Yakubu Nyaku – Khartoum, Sudan
-
Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru – Bangkok, Thailand
These career diplomats are expected to maintain and enhance Nigeria’s relationships with their respective host countries. Their expertise and experience in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be pivotal in strengthening Nigeria’s international partnerships and advancing its global interests.
Diplomatic Procedures and Agrément Process
In line with standard diplomatic practice, after the approval of the ambassadors and high commissioners, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately communicated with the respective countries to seek “agrément”—the formal agreement of the host country to accept the ambassador or high commissioner.
The Ministry has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu (designated to the UK), and from France for Ambassador Ayo Oke (designated to France). This approval is an essential step before these diplomats can formally assume their roles.
Further, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated the necessary diplomatic processes for the remaining 62 appointees, sending their nominations to the countries concerned and seeking agréments as required.
Induction Programme for Ambassadors-Designate
To ensure that the newly appointed diplomats are well-prepared for their duties, President Tinubu has instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to commence an induction programme for all ambassadors-designate and high commissioners.
This programme will equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary for effective representation and the fulfillment of Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives.
The induction will cover various aspects of diplomatic protocol, international relations, and strategies for promoting Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Conclusion
The approval of the postings for the new ambassadors and high commissioners by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is an important step in Nigeria’s efforts to bolster diplomatic influence globally.
With a mix of career diplomats and non-career appointees, these new representatives are tasked with advancing Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests worldwide. The commencement of their induction programme marks the beginning of their journey to enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.
The success of this initiative will depend largely on the ability of these ambassadors to navigate complex global challenges, foster stronger bilateral and multilateral relationships, and ensure that Nigeria’s voice is heard in international forums.