Nigeria’s diplomatic corps is set for a sweeping overhaul as President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, marking the most extensive foreign-service reconstitution since his administration began. The list, dispatched in two letters dated November 29, 2025, signals an aggressive push to fully restore Nigeria’s global diplomatic footprint following the recall of all ambassadors in late 2023.
The nominations reveal a deliberate blend of political influence, administrative experience, and technocratic expertise. Among the 17 non-career nominees are some of the nation’s most recognizable political figures—choices that have already set Abuja buzzing.
Leading the pack is Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister and one of the country’s most outspoken political commentators. Alongside him is Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide turned influential social-media advocate. Their inclusion suggests the Tinubu administration is embracing political heavyweights capable of commanding visibility and influence in foreign capitals.
Other high-profile nominees include three former governors—Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), and Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos Deputy Governor)—plus renowned figures such as Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and former Oyo First Lady Florence Ajimobi. The list also features a notable transition: Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former INEC chairman, stepping from election management into global diplomacy.
To balance this political firepower, the President nominated 15 career diplomats, ensuring seasoned foreign-service professionals remain central to mission leadership. These include respected envoys such as Amb. Paul Oga Adikwu, Amb. Shehu Barde, Amb. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno, and Amb. Wahab Adekola Akande. The administration also emphasized gender representation, noting ten women across both categories.
The nominees are expected to fill key postings in countries vital to Nigeria’s strategic interests—China, India, South Korea, the UAE, Canada, Mexico, South Africa, and Kenya—as well as major multilateral missions.
This batch complements the first trio submitted last week, widely believed to be heading to Nigeria’s highest-priority missions: the U.S., U.K., and France.
With this move, Tinubu is positioning a diplomatic team engineered for global engagement, economic partnerships, and Nigeria’s renewed foreign-policy ambition. The Senate is expected to fast-track screenings in the coming days.
