Senate confirms 64 ambassadorial nominees

The Nigerian Senate has confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees, including 34 career diplomats and 30 non-career appointees, to strengthen the country’s international presence. The confirmations followed the presentation of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ report.

President Bola Tinubu had submitted the nominees on December 4 as part of efforts to reinforce Nigeria’s global engagements. The committee chairman, Sen Abubakar Sani Bello, praised the nominees for their knowledge of international diplomacy and understanding of Nigeria’s strategic interests.

The career diplomats include experienced figures such as Nwaobiala Chukwuemeka (Abia), Ahmed Monguno (Borno), Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos), and Danladi Yakubu Nyaku (Taraba). Non-career appointees include politicians, retired military officials, academics, and public servants such as Sen Grace Bent (Adamawa), Dr Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia), Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) (Kano), and Olufemi Fani-Kayode (Osun).

These confirmations are expected to expedite ambassadorial deployments to key missions worldwide, enhancing Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, trade negotiations, and bilateral partnerships. Observers note that the mix of career diplomats and public figures reflects Tinubu’s strategy to strengthen Nigeria’s foreign policy and global standing.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale