Tinubu Submits First Set Of Ambassadorial Nominees To The Senate

President Bola Tinubu has submitted a list of three ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation. The announcement was made by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Wednesday’s plenary session, which was streamed on the NASS YouTube channel.

The nominees include Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke. While reading Tinubu’s letter titled “Request for confirmation of appointments of non-career ambassador designates,” Akpabio quoted the President as saying, “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.”

After reading the letter, Akpabio added, “The list contains three names for now. I am sure others will follow.” He then directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to deliver its report within one week.

Since assuming office in 2023, Tinubu had not appointed any ambassadors, a delay that has faced widespread criticism. In September 2023, he recalled all ambassadors from Nigeria’s 109 foreign missions including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates as part of a “comprehensive diplomatic review.”

In the absence of confirmed envoys, many missions have been overseen by chargés d’affaires or senior consular officers with limited authority to conduct formal diplomatic negotiations.

On November 19, the President had received a new list of ambassador-designates and was considering when to forward it to the Senate. Senior officials close to the process confirmed that security and background checks had been completed, explaining that the list was “ready” and awaiting only the President’s final approval.

The prolonged diplomatic vacuum previously fueled tensions, including Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who cited alleged attacks on Christians and even threatened military intervention.

Tinubu has acknowledged the difficulty of managing political, regional, and professional considerations in making these appointments. Speaking to members of The Buhari Organisation on September 2, 2025, he said, “It’s not easy stitching those names.”

He added, “I couldn’t appoint everybody at once, and thank you for your patience. I still have some slots for ambassadorial positions that so many people are craving for.”