President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approves the posting of 65 Nigerian ambassadors to various diplomatic missions across the world, including the United Nations, in a move aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s international relations and global diplomatic presence.
According to Mediaplusng.com, the appointments include 31 non-career ambassadors and 34 career ambassadors, who will represent Nigeria in strategic countries and multilateral institutions. The envoys had earlier been confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December, paving the way for their official diplomatic postings.
The development marks a significant step in the federal government’s effort to reposition Nigeria’s foreign policy framework and enhance bilateral and multilateral engagements with partner nations. Diplomacy experts say the appointments will help boost trade relations, international cooperation, and Nigeria’s voice in global governance discussions.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, and obtained by Mediaplusng.com, President Tinubu formally approves the diplomatic postings and directs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin preparations for the envoys’ deployment.
Among the prominent non-career ambassadors and high commissioners appointed to represent Nigeria abroad are Senator Grace Bent, who is posted to Lome, Togo; Senator Ita Enang to South Africa; Victor Ikpeazu to Spain; and Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu to Tel Aviv in Israel.
Other notable postings include Mahmoud Yakubu to Qatar, Paul Oga Adikwu to the Vatican City Holy See, and Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas to the Philippines. Former presidential aide Reno Omokri is posted to Mexico City, Mexico, while former Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, will represent Nigeria in Ottawa, Canada.
Further details monitored by Mediaplusng.com show that Lateef Kayode Are is appointed as Nigeria’s ambassador to the United States of America, while Senator Jimoh Ibrahim is designated as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
Additional non-career ambassadors include former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode to Germany, Ayodele Oke to France, Yakubu N. Gambo to Saudi Arabia, and Senator Professor Nora Ladi Daduut to Seoul, South Korea.
Others include Barrister Onueze Chukwujika Joe Okocha to Dublin in Ireland, Dr. Kulu Haruna Abubakar to Tunis in Tunisia, and Rt. Hon. Jerry Samuel Manwe to Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago.
The list also features ambassadors posted to Portugal, Hungary, Japan, Greece, Poland, Australia, Argentina, Austria, Sweden, and several other strategic locations across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Alongside the non-career envoys, the federal government also announces the posting of 34 career diplomats who will head Nigerian missions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and other regions.
According to Mediaplusng.com, these career ambassadors include Ambassador Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka to Cote d’Ivoire, Maimuna Ibrahim to Niamey in Niger Republic, and Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi to Sao Tome and Principe.
Other career diplomats include Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algiers in Algeria, Ahmed Mohammed Monguno to Cairo in Egypt, and Ambassador Jane Adams Michael to Kingston in Jamaica.
Ambassador Alexandra Clark-Omeru is posted to Lusaka in Zambia, while Ambassador Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen will represent Nigeria in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The list continues with Ambassador Segun Ige posted to Beirut in Lebanon, Ruben Abimbola Samuel to Rome in Italy, Ambassador Ogechukwu Kingsley Onaga to Maputo in Mozambique, and Ambassador Umar Magaji to Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Additional postings include Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to New Delhi in India, Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Dakar in Senegal, and Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde to Accra in Ghana.
Other diplomatic assignments cover Ethiopia, Chad, Morocco, Malaysia, Tanzania, Botswana, Iran, Kenya, Benin Republic, Belgium, Switzerland, Namibia, Gabon, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Thailand.
Diplomatic observers note that career ambassadors often bring years of experience within Nigeria’s foreign service, making them essential in managing complex diplomatic relationships and representing Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that some host countries have already granted diplomatic approval—known as agrément—for certain ambassadors-designate.
The United Kingdom government has issued agrément for Nigeria’s High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu, while France has also approved the appointment of Ambassador Ayo Oke as Nigeria’s envoy to Paris.
Diplomatic agrément is a standard international protocol that requires host countries to formally accept nominated ambassadors before they can assume their duties.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has already communicated the names of the other 62 ambassadors-designate to their respective host nations while requesting the necessary diplomatic approvals in accordance with international conventions governing diplomatic relations.
President Tinubu also directs the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately begin the induction and orientation programme for the newly appointed ambassadors and high commissioners.
The induction process will prepare the envoys for their responsibilities, including Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, diplomatic protocols, international negotiations, trade promotion, and diaspora engagement.
Foreign policy analysts say the ambassadorial appointments come at a critical time when Nigeria is seeking to strengthen its global partnerships in areas such as economic cooperation, security collaboration, climate diplomacy, and international development.
They also note that the presence of experienced diplomats and respected political figures in strategic countries could improve Nigeria’s diplomatic influence and facilitate stronger economic and trade ties with key partners.
Experts add that Nigeria’s embassies and high commissions play a vital role in protecting the interests of Nigerian citizens abroad, supporting trade opportunities, and promoting the country’s cultural and political interests on the global stage.
With the approval of these postings, the Nigerian government signals a renewed commitment to active diplomacy and stronger international engagement.
As preparations begin for the ambassadors’ deployment, attention now shifts to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Nigeria’s diplomatic missions worldwide to ensure a smooth transition and effective representation of the country’s interests abroad.
