President Bola Tinubu has submitted an additional 32 names to the Senate for ambassadorial nominations, following the initial batch of three nominees submitted earlier. In separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the President requested expedited consideration and confirmation of 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadorial nominees.
The list, released by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga, includes four women among the career diplomats and six women on the non-career list. Notable figures on the non-career list include former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and former Governor of Enugu State Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. Other prominent nominees include former First Ladies, former Governors, and former Senators.
The career diplomats nominated include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi, and Miamuna Ibrahim Besto, among others. These nominees are expected to be deployed to strategic diplomatic locations, including China, India, and the United Nations, once confirmed by the Senate.
The new nominees will join the initial batch of three ambassadorial nominees submitted last week, which included Ambassador Ayodele Oke, Ambassador Amin Mohammed Dalhatu, and Retired Col. Lateef Kayode Are. These nominees are expected to be posted to the United Kingdom, United States, or France upon confirmation.
President Tinubu has indicated that further nominations will be announced soon, as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation worldwide. The Senate’s confirmation of these nominees will be crucial in determining the country’s diplomatic presence in key regions and international organizations. With these nominations, Nigeria aims to enhance its bilateral relations and engagement with the global community. The Senate’s prompt consideration of these nominees will be essential in facilitating the country’s diplomatic endeavors.