President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded two separate lists containing a total of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, marking one of the most extensive diplomatic nomination exercises of his administration.
The lists, which include 34 career diplomats and 31 non-career nominees, were officially transmitted to the upper chamber on Thursday.
The non-career list features several prominent political figures and public personalities, signalling a blend of technocratic and political representation in Nigeria’s next diplomatic corps. Among those nominated are former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, former Interior Minister General Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.), former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The inclusion of these high-profile names has already begun generating nationwide discussion on the strategic direction of Nigeria’s foreign service.
Also on the non-career list are notable figures such as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.); Senator Jimoh Ibrahim; Senator Nora Daduut; Fatima Ajimobi; and former presidential aide and ex-lawmaker Senator Ita Enang, among several others.
With these submissions, a total of 65 ambassadorial nominees are now before the Senate, awaiting screening and confirmation in the coming days. The move underscores President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to reshape Nigeria’s global engagement and strengthen its diplomatic footprint. As the Senate prepares to scrutinize the nominees, attention is expected to focus not only on their individual credentials but also on the geopolitical vision driving the administration’s nominations.
