President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a list of three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, marking a major step in revitalising Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad.
The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary, which was broadcast live on the National Assembly’s official YouTube channel and monitored by NaijaBlogDaily.
Names of the Nominees
The nominees forwarded by President Tinubu are:
- Kayode Are – Ogun State
- Aminu Dalhatu – Jigawa State
- Ayodele Oke
Akpabio read a letter from the President titled “Request for confirmation of appointments of non-career ambassador designates.” The letter cited Section 171 (1), (2c), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as the legal basis for the appointments.
According to the Senate President:
“The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow.”
He directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to complete its screening and submit a report within one week.
Context: First Ambassadorial Nominations Since 2023
Since assuming office in 2023, President Tinubu has not appointed any ambassadors—an unusual delay that has drawn criticism from stakeholders in Nigeria’s foreign affairs space.
In September 2023, the President recalled ambassadors from all 109 Nigerian foreign missions, including:
- 76 embassies
- 22 high commissions
- 11 consulates
This recall was part of a “comprehensive diplomatic review,” leaving most missions to be run by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officials with limited authority.
Background to the New Appointments
On November 19, NaijaBlogDaily reported that the President had received a fresh list of nominees after all security and background checks had been completed. According to senior officials aware of the process, the list has been awaiting only Tinubu’s approval.
- “The list is ready… It is now with the President, and it’s up to him,” one top official confirmed anonymously.
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The delay in appointing ambassadors had been linked to diplomatic setbacks, including tensions that led to Nigeria being labelled a Country of Particular Concern by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened military intervention over alleged religious persecution.
Tinubu: “It’s Not Easy Stitching Those Names”
The President previously acknowledged the difficulty of balancing political demands, competence, and regional representation when selecting ambassadors.
During a meeting with The Buhari Organisation, led by former Nasarawa State Governor Senator Tanko Al-Makura, Tinubu said:
- “It’s not easy stitching those names. I couldn’t appoint everybody at once, and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for.”
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