ABUJA — Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a second batch of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate of Nigeria, this time submitting 32 additional names for confirmation just days after the first set of three was sent.
In a statement signed by his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President asked the Senate to “consider and confirm expeditiously” 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees.
Among the non-career nominees forwarded are several high-profile former public officeholders, including former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Okezie Ikpeazu, ex-Minister and political figure Femi Fani-Kayode, former presidential aide and commentator Reno Omokri, and ex-INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
Other names on the list include former Lagos Deputy Governor Femi Pedro, former Oyo First Lady Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former senator Nora Ladi Daduut, and former senator/businessman Jimoh Ibrahim.
In the career-diplomat category, the nominees span a broad representation of Nigeria’s states, including professionals such as Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa), among others.
According to the presidency, once confirmed, the new envoys are expected to represent Nigeria in strategic bilateral and multilateral postings — including countries such as China, India, Canada, UAE, South Africa, and institutions such as the United Nations, UNESCO and African Union.
While government officials argue the fresh nominations are part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s global diplomatic presence, critics have voiced concern over what they describe as the recycling of career politicians — rather than technocrats — into key diplomatic roles. As noted by human-rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong, the list “rewards political loyalty and past failures,” risking Nigeria’s image abroad.
The Senate is expected to begin screening the nominees early next week. Dalena Reporters will monitor proceedings and report on confirmations, postings, and reactions from diplomatic and civil-society stakeholders.