Tinubu Sends Three Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate

President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, marking the first significant step towards restoring Nigeria’s diplomatic representation after the mass recall of ambassadors more than two years ago.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the President’s letter during plenary on Wednesday. The nominees are Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke.

Tinubu withdrew all ambassadors in September 2023, citing the need to overhaul Nigeria’s missions abroad. Since then, the foreign posts have been overseen by charge d’affaires — career officers who lack full ambassadorial authority. The absence of substantive envoys has drawn criticism, particularly as Nigeria seeks foreign investment, security collaboration and global economic partnerships.

Earlier this year, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, disclosed that a list of nominees had been pending due to disruptions stemming from economic policy changes, including subsidy removal and naira reform. Critics, however, questioned the prolonged delay, especially against the backdrop of rising diplomatic tensions with major partners.

The Senate is expected to commence the screening process as Nigeria moves to re-establish full representation across its 109 missions worldwide.