Friday March 6, 2026 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially approved the deployment of 65 ambassadors to represent Nigeria in various countries and multinational organizations, including the United Nations. The final list, released today, marks a significant step in shaping the administration’s foreign policy and diplomatic engagements.
​The approved envoys consist of a strategic mix of 31 non-career and 34 career diplomats. This development follows their screening and subsequent confirmation by the Nigerian Senate in December 2025.
​Strategic Placements and Notable Names
​The roster of non-career ambassadors features several prominent political figures, former governors, and past ministers who have been tasked with leading Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in key allied nations.
​Here are some of the most notable non-career postings approved by the President:
| Ambassador | Assigned Mission |
|---|---|
| Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim | United Nations (Permanent Representative) |
| Aminu Dalhatu | United Kingdom |
| Ayodele Oke | France |
| Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (Rtd) | China |
| Femi Fani-Kayode | Germany |
| Reno Omokri | Mexico |
| Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole | Canada |
| Victor Okezie Ikpeazu | Spain |
| Mahmud Yakubu | Qatar |
| Sen. Ita Enang | South Africa |
| Olufemi Pedro | Australia |
| Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi | Greece |
| Senator Grace Bent | Togo |
| Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas | The Philippines |
Career Diplomats Take the Helm in Key Regions
​In addition to the non-career appointments, 34 career diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been deployed to various strategic missions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Notable postings include:
- ​Amb. Nwabiola Ezenwa Chukwumeka – Côte d’Ivoire
- ​Amb. Mohammed Mahmud Lele – Algeria
- ​Amb. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru – India
- ​Amb. Abdussalam Habu Zayyad – Senegal
- ​Amb. Shehu Ilu Barde – Ghana
- ​Amb. Bako Adamu Umar – Morocco
​Diplomatic Clearance and Next Steps
​According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already commenced the process of securing diplomatic clearance (agrément) from the respective host countries.
​Agreements have already been successfully received from the United Kingdom for High Commissioner-designate Aminu Dalhatu, and from France for Ambassador Ayodele Oke. Requests for the remaining 63 envoys have been transmitted in line with standard international diplomatic protocols.
​To ensure the newly appointed representatives are fully prepared for their assignments, President Tinubu has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence an induction and strategic training program for all ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.
​What This Means for Nigeria
​The deployment of these 65 ambassadors is expected to reinvigorate Nigeria’s foreign relations, boost foreign direct investment, and strengthen bilateral ties across the globe. By blending seasoned career diplomats with influential political figures, the administration aims to present a robust diplomatic front on the global stage.
