President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the posting of 65 ambassadors to various countries and international missions, according to a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The list comprises 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career ambassadors whose nominations were earlier confirmed by the Nigerian Senate in December.
Among the notable appointments, former senator Ita Enang has been posted to South Africa, while former governor Okezie Ikpeazu will serve as Nigeria’s envoy to Spain.
Former presidential aide Reno Omokri has been assigned to Mexico, while former Chief of Defence Intelligence Lateef Kayode Are will head Nigeria’s diplomatic mission to the United States.
In other postings, former Minister of Health Isaac Folorunso Adewole has been designated as Nigeria’s ambassador to Canada. Similarly, former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau will represent Nigeria in China.
The President also appointed businessman and politician Jimoh Ibrahim as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
According to the statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already secured agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has granted diplomatic approval for Ayo Oke to serve as Nigeria’s envoy.
The ministry also confirmed that the nominations of the remaining ambassadors have been forwarded to their respective host countries to seek agrément, which is the formal diplomatic consent required before ambassadors can officially assume duty.
President Tinubu further directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and high commissioners. The induction is expected to prepare the envoys for their diplomatic assignments and ensure effective representation of Nigeria’s interests abroad.
