By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
President Bola Tinubu has sent a list of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, the first since assuming office in 2023.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the president’s letter entitled ‘Request for confirmation of appointments of non-career ambassador designates’ during plenary on Wednesday, November 26.
The letter read: “In accordance with the provisions of Section 171 subsections 1 and 2, c and 4 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, I am pleased to present for confirmation by the Senate the underlisted three nominees as non-career ambassador designates.”
Akpabio added after reading the letter, “The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow.”
The Senate President thereafter called on the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to report back within one week.
The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.
In September 2023, Tinubu recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates.
He said the move was part of what was described as a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”
The president’s delay in appointing ambassadors drew criticism as most missions have been led by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited authority to represent Nigeria in formal negotiations.
On November 19, Tinubu was reported to have received a fresh list of ambassador-designates and was considering when to send it to the Senate.
According to top government officials, all security and background checks on the nominees had been completed, and the list was awaiting only the president’s approval before transmission to the Senate for screening.
