Tinubu Forwards 32 Ambassadorial Nominees to Senate, Includes Ex-INEC Chair, Fani-Kayode, Omokri
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has submitted a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, expanding Nigeria’s proposed diplomatic corps with a mix of career officers and prominent political figures.
The list, which contains 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees, features several notable names, including former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide and public affairs commentator Reno Omokri.
The President’s correspondence was read on the floor of the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. It follows an earlier transmission of three ambassadorial nominees sent earlier in the week, bringing the total number of nominations to 35.
According to the Presidency, the selections are part of ongoing efforts to overhaul and strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic representation globally, following the recall of all ambassadors in 2023.
Other nominees include former governors, former lawmakers and professionals from different fields, signalling what State House sources describe as an attempt to blend political experience with diplomatic expertise.
If confirmed, the ambassadors will be deployed to key countries and multilateral missions, including China, India, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, UNESCO, and the African Union.
The Senate is expected to begin the screening process in the coming days.