Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadors

The Nigerian Senate has approved the appointment of 64 ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, a development that clears the way for the deployment of a new cohort of envoys to represent the country in foreign capitals and international organisations.

The confirmed list comprises 34 career diplomats and 30 non‑career appointees, as outlined in the report of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which conducted detailed screenings before presenting its findings to the full chamber.

In presenting the committee’s report, the chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), said lawmakers had reviewed the credentials of all nominees and found them suitable for their proposed diplomatic assignments, satisfying the constitutional and professional requirements for the posts. He added that no petition or adverse security report was received against any of the nominees during the screening process.

Senators adopted the committee’s recommendations and moved to confirmation during Thursday’s plenary session.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, addressing the newly confirmed ambassadors, emphasised the weight of the responsibilities that accompany their appointments. He stated, “You are going out there to represent Nigeria. Wherever you are posted, remember that you carry the image, values and aspirations of over 200 million Nigerians,” underscoring the expectation that the appointees will project Nigeria’s interests and enhance bilateral and multilateral ties.

Among the non‑career ambassadors confirmed are several prominent public figures and former government officials, including former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani‑Kayode, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Professor Mahmood Yakubu. Career diplomats approved for ambassadorial roles feature seasoned foreign service officers drawn from various geopolitical zones, reflecting a blend of professional experience and political appointments.