Tinubu Submits 32 Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate in Major Diplomatic Shake-Up

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a new list of 32 ambassadorial nominees, forwarding their names to the Nigerian Senate for screening and confirmation in a decisive step aimed at repositioning the nation’s foreign relations. The list, which includes 17 non-career ambassadors and 15 seasoned career diplomats, represents one of the most extensive diplomatic deployment proposals since the beginning of the current administration.

According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, the nominees have been carefully selected to represent Nigeria in countries and international institutions considered vital to the nation’s diplomatic, economic, and security interests. These missions span regions in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas, including global institutions such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union.

This nomination exercise is seen as a continuation of the administration’s broader foreign policy reforms, emphasizing global partnerships, diaspora engagement, and economic diplomacy. The move also reflects Tinubu’s intent to strengthen Nigeria’s presence on the international stage by deploying a blend of experienced politicians, former government officials, and career diplomats.

FULL LIST OF NOMINEES

Non-Career Ambassadors (17 Nominees)

1. Barr. Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)
   A seasoned legal practitioner known for contributions in constitutional and public law.

2. Reno Omokri (Delta)
   Former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan; well known for public commentary and humanitarian activism.

3. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi)
   Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), recognized internationally for electoral reforms.

4. Erelu Bisi Angela Adebayo (Ekiti)
   Former First Lady of Ekiti State, grassroots mobilizer, and advocate for women empowerment.

5. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)
   Former Governor of Enugu State with experience in public administration and rural development.

6. Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina)
   One-time Speaker of the Katsina State House of Assembly, known for legislative leadership.

7. Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau)
   Former Commissioner and ex-Deputy Executive Secretary of UBEC; education and public sector expert.

8. Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau)
   Former Senator and respected academic with interest in policy development.

9. Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos)
   Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; banker and economic strategist.

10. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)
    Former Aviation Minister with a history of involvement in Nigeria’s foreign affairs discourse.

11. Barr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra)
    Veteran legal practitioner and advocate for justice sector reforms.

12. Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo)
    Former First Lady of Oyo State; widely involved in humanitarian initiatives.

13. Lola Akande (Lagos)
    Former Lagos State Commissioner with versatile administrative experience.

14. Grace Bent (Adamawa)
    Former Senator with extensive engagement in national legislative activities.

15. Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)
    Former Governor of Abia State known for infrastructural and community-focused projects.

16. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)
    Businessman, investor, and former Senator; widely experienced in corporate policy.

17. Amb. Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue)
    Former Ambassador to the Holy See; career diplomat with strong international ties.

Career Ambassadors (15 Nominees)

1. Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia)

2. Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba)

3. Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa)

4. Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi)

5. Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa)

6. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi)

7. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun)

8. Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo)

9. Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo)

10. Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger)

11. Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina)

12. Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno)

13. Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)

14. Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara)

15. Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun)

These career diplomats have spent years in Nigeria’s foreign service and are expected to bring in-depth institutional knowledge to their respective postings.

Countries and Missions Considered Strategic

Although specific postings will be assigned after Senate confirmation, indications show the nominees will be deployed to Nigeria’s most strategic diplomatic stations, including:

• United States

• United Kingdom

• China

• India

• South Korea

• Canada

• Mexico

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Qatar

• South Africa

• Kenya

And multilateral diplomatic missions such as:

• United Nations Headquarters

• UNESCO

• African Union (AU)

• ECOWAS Commission

These locations play major roles in shaping global economic relations, security partnerships, climate negotiations, and diaspora affairs—issues central to the Tinubu administration’s foreign policy priorities.

What This Means for Nigeria

The newly proposed ambassadorial line-up represents a deliberate blend of political appointments and professional diplomats. Analysts believe this composition suggests the government aims to reinforce both political representation and technocratic excellence abroad.

Political nominees are often deployed to countries where strong personal networks and high-level negotiations are essential, while career diplomats typically take positions requiring consistent professional diplomatic engagement.

Observers note that the presence of former governors, former INEC chairman, former ministers, and political influencers highlights the importance placed on securing Nigeria’s image globally while deepening strategic alliances.

The Senate is now expected to begin the screening process, after which the President will issue deployment letters and formal diplomatic briefs.