In a significant move to strengthen Nigeria's diplomatic corps, the Nigerian Senate on Thursday confirmed 64 ambassadorial nominees, comprising 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors. This confirmation followed the presentation and adoption of the report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, chaired by Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), after a thorough screening process. These appointments, submitted by President Bola Tinubu in a letter read on the Senate floor on December 4, aim to bolster Nigeria's international presence and reshape its foreign policy engagement.

The vetting process, as outlined by Senator Bello, involved a careful examination of the credentials, experience, and competence of all nominees. He informed the Senate that no petitions or adverse security reports were received against any of the individuals, and all were found suitable for their proposed diplomatic assignments, demonstrating a deep understanding of international diplomacy and Nigeria’s strategic interests.

Among the notable non-career ambassadors confirmed were prominent political figures and public servants. These include former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi); former Minister of Aviation, Chief Olufemi Fani-Kayode (Osun); former Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazzau (rtd) (Kano); former sole administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (rtd) (Cross River); and former presidential aide, Mr. Reno Omokri (Delta). Other confirmed non-career nominees feature Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo); former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Chief Femi Pedro; former Akwa Ibom Senator, Ita Enang; former Adamawa Senator, Grace Bent; Florence Ajimobi (Oyo), widow of the late former Governor of Oyo State; former Ekiti State First Lady, Mrs. Angela Adebayo; former Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole (Osun); and Onueze Chukwujinka Okocha (SAN) (Rivers). Other non-career ambassadors include Chioma Ohakim (Imo), Sulola Akande (Oyo), Jerry Manwe (Taraba), and Abas Braimah (Edo).

The list of confirmed career ambassadors includes seasoned diplomats from various states. Among them are Nwaobiala Ezenwa Chukwuemeka (Abia), Betso Maimunah Ibrahim (Adamawa), Monica Okwuchukwu Enebechi (Anambra), Mohammed Mahmud Lele (Bauchi), Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), Adams Jane Bassey (Cross River), Clark-Omeru Alexandra Efe (Delta), Geoffrey Ijiomah Chima David (Ebonyi), Odumah Yvonne Ehinosen (Edo), Wasa Segun Ige (Edo), Adeyemi Adebayo Emmanuel (Ekiti), Okechukwu Kingsley Onaga (Enugu), Magaji Umar (Jigawa), Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna), Abdussalam Habu Zayyad (Kano), Shehu Ilu Barde (Katsina), Aminu Nasir (Katsina), Abubakar Musa Musa (Kebbi), Haidara Mohammed Idris (Kebbi), Bako Adamu Umar (Kogi), Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ramat Mohammed Omobolanle (Lagos), Shaga John Shamah (Nasarawa), Hamza Mohammed Sallau (Niger), Ibrahim Danlami (Niger), Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun), Reuben Abimbola Samuel (Ondo), Akande Wahab Adekola (Osun), Arewa Esther (Oyo), Gergadi Joseph John (Plateau), Luther Ogbomode Ayo-Kalata (Rivers), Danladi Yakubu Nyaku (Taraba), and Bello Dogon-Daji Haliru (Sokoto). It was noted that nominees from Yobe State, who did not appear for screening, were not included in this list.

During the session, Senator Sahabi Yau, representing Zamfara North, raised a constitutional point of order regarding the absence of a nominee from Zamfara State on the list, citing federal character principles. In response, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the concern, assuring the Senate that the list was not exhaustive and that more ambassadorial nominations were expected. Akpabio pledged to raise the matter with President Tinubu, affirming that Zamfara State would not be excluded from future ambassadorial appointments and reassuring lawmakers of the administration's commitment to the federal character principle. Earlier, the Senate had confirmed three other non-career ambassadors, bringing the total number of confirmed nominees to 67 in recent times, though the main confirmation event involved 64 nominees.

Senate President Akpabio congratulated the newly confirmed ambassadors, urging them to view their appointments as a call to national service. He charged them to positively project Nigeria's image, deepen bilateral ties, and protect the country's interests in their host nations. The strategic blend of career diplomats and high-profile political appointees signals a deliberate effort by the Federal Government to recalibrate Nigeria’s foreign policy, leverage political networks, and enhance its diplomatic presence across key global capitals. This robust mix is expected to fast-track the deployment of ambassadors, strengthening Nigeria's voice in global decision-making, trade negotiations, and bilateral partnerships.