By James
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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a sweeping diplomatic redeployment that will see 65 Nigerians represent the country across key global missions, with former aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, posted to Germany, and political commentator Reno Omokri assigned to Mexico.
The list, released on Friday by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, includes 34 non-career ambassadors drawn from politics, public service, academia and the military, alongside 31 career diplomats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the presidency, the appointments follow the confirmation of the ambassadorial nominees by the Senate in December 2025, clearing the way for their eventual deployment to embassies and international missions around the world.
Among the political appointees are former interior minister, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who has been posted to China; former intelligence chief Ayodele Oke to France; and former Enugu State governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, to Greece.
Businessman and senator, Jimoh Ibrahim, will serve as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, while retired naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has been assigned to the Philippines.
Also included in the list is former Independent National Electoral Commission chairman Mahmud Yakubu, who has been nominated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Qatar.
The career diplomats posted to key missions include Ambassador Mohammed Mahmud Lele to Algeria, Ambassador Shehu Ilu Barde to Ghana, Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru to India, and Ambassador Abdussalam Habu Zayyad to Senegal. Other seasoned envoys were assigned to strategic diplomatic posts across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
The presidency also disclosed that the United Kingdom has already granted agrément for Ambassador-designate Aminu Dalhatu, while France has approved the posting of Ayodele Oke. Under diplomatic protocol, host countries must formally accept ambassadors before they can assume office.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun notifying the remaining host countries of Nigeria’s diplomatic nominations and requesting their approvals in line with international practice.
President Tinubu has further directed the ministry to organise orientation and induction programmes for all ambassadors and high commissioners before their official deployment.
Officials say the exercise will equip the envoys with updated briefings on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, economic diplomacy agenda and strategies for advancing the country’s interests abroad.
The extensive diplomatic reshuffle is seen as part of the administration’s broader effort to reposition Nigeria’s foreign missions, strengthen bilateral partnerships and expand the country’s global influence in trade, security and international cooperation.
