The Senate on Thursday confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu, approving the appointments of prominent political figures including former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.
The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which stated that all the nominees were thoroughly screened and found fit for the diplomatic roles.
This latest approval came just 48 hours after the Senate confirmed three additional non-career ambassadors which includes Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun State), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State), and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke (Oyo State), bringing the total number of confirmed ambassadors to 67.
Among those cleared on Thursday were former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, former presidential aide Ita Enang, and former senator Grace Bent. Others include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.
In total, the confirmed list comprises 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners and 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.
Presenting the committee’s report, its chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), said none of the nominees had petitions or complaints lodged against them. He noted that all were found worthy of appointment based on their qualifications, experience, and conduct.
Congratulating the appointees, Senate President Godswill Akpabio urged them to project Nigeria positively and uphold the country’s interests in their respective postings.
The confirmation also put to rest claims circulating on social media that petitions had been submitted against some nominees, including Fani-Kayode and Omokri. Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu had earlier dismissed the allegations, stressing that no petitions were received from any individual or organisation.
According to him, the screening exercise was detailed and rigorous, adding that it was not a mere “take a bow and go” process.
President Tinubu had forwarded an expanded list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on December 4 as part of efforts to fill long-vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign missions.
The move followed months of delay after all Nigerian envoys were recalled in 2023, a situation that sparked debate over the country’s diplomatic presence abroad. With the confirmation now completed, the newly appointed ambassadors are expected to be deployed to key global capitals and international organisations in line with Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities.
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