President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners to Nigeria’s foreign missions, moving ahead with the assignments despite public criticism that trailed the nomination of some individuals on the list.
Among the most discussed appointments are those of political commentator Reno Omokri, who has been posted as Nigeria’s ambassador to Mexico, and former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, who will serve as Nigeria’s envoy to Germany.
The postings were confirmed on Friday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
According to the statement, the President approved the deployment of 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and international missions, including Nigeria’s permanent mission to the United Nations.
Diplomatic Clearances Underway
The presidency also disclosed that some host countries have already granted diplomatic clearance for the incoming Nigerian envoys.
The United Kingdom has issued agrément for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayo Oke.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has subsequently forwarded the nominations of the remaining envoys to their respective host countries, requesting agrément in line with diplomatic protocol.
President Tinubu has also directed the ministry to begin the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners ahead of their formal assumption of duties.
Senate Confirmation
The ambassadors were earlier confirmed by the Senate of Nigeria in December following their nomination by the President.
Key Non-Career Ambassadorial Postings
Several prominent political figures and public office holders were included in the list of non-career ambassadors. They include:
- Senator Grace Bent — Togo
- Senator Ita Enang — South Africa
- Victor Ikpeazu — Spain
- Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu — Israel
- Mahmud Yakubu — Qatar
- Paul Oga Adikwu — Vatican City
- Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas — Philippines
- Reno Omokri — Mexico
- Abasi Braimah — Hungary
- Erelu Angela Adebayo — Portugal
- Oluwayimika Olumilua — Japan
- Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi — Greece
- Chioma Priscilla Ohakim — Poland
- Aminu Dalhatu — United Kingdom
- Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau — China
- Tasiu Musa Maigari — Gambia
- Olufemi Pedro — Australia
- Muhammed Ubandoma Aliyu — Argentina
- Lateef Kayode Are — United States
- Joseph Sola Iji — Russia
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim — Permanent Representative to the United Nations
- Femi Fani-Kayode — Germany
- Prof. Isaac Adewole — Canada
- Fatima Ajimobi — Austria
- Lola Akande — Sweden
- Ayo Oke — France
- Yakubu N. Gambo — Saudi Arabia
- Senator Nora Ladi Daduut — South Korea
- Onueze Chukwujika Okocha — Ireland
- Kulu Haruna Abubakar — Tunisia
- Jerry Samuel Manwe — Trinidad and Tobago
Career Diplomats Also Assigned
The postings also include several career diplomats deployed to Nigeria’s missions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas as part of the administration’s effort to strengthen the country’s diplomatic presence globally.
Officials said the envoys are expected to undergo orientation and briefing sessions coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before assuming their duties in their respective host countries.
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